The Georgian Triangle Humane Society recognizes that not all cats are suitable for a home environment and will, under special circumstances, adopt cats to individuals wishing to provide these special cats with an opportunity to live in a rural, farm or shop type setting.
Cost: adoptable by donation
You can download our Barn Cat Adoption Application HERE
Safe Introduction Of Your Barn Cat
Following the proper process for introducing your new barn cat to its new home is VERY important. The following provides more information on how to introduce your new pet to its surroundings:
- Having a proper confinement area ranging from 2-4 weeks is essential (preferably a separate room – feed room, tack room or office – otherwise an oversized dog kennel or crated area). Making sure to have a safe, warm place for the cat to have as their own is very important. Keeping this area available after their confinement time is also important for the cat to have a “safe spot” to go to. NOTE: a long confinement range of 2-3 months is unnecessary and could be harmful and extremely stressful to the cat.
- Daily feeding, watering and litter change is necessary for the cat’s health and well-being. Not only is it essential during introduction time, but throughout the cat’s lifetime with you.
- Having a small box or empty cardboard box in the safe zone is also essential for the cat to have somewhere to hide within the area.
- Make sure the safe zone is properly hole proofed. With any small hole, cats will attempt to get out.
- Should the cat escape by accident during the confinement stage, set food and water out and sprinkle their litter around the barn (for scent). The cat is most likely on the property and hiding. Leaving plenty of food and water will prevent them from leaving to go find their own food. If you end up finding them and are able to safely get them back to their safe zone, do so. If you are not able to catch safely, it may be best to leave the cat – the stress to both you and your cat may do more harm.
- The cat’s caretaker should try and make daily contact with the cats by talking to them and playing the radio at a soft level etc. This will keep them used to human voices. The caretakers that make the effort to communicate with the cat will be the most successful with the introduction.
- In colder weather, make sure to provide extra blankets and heating source in their safe zone.
- Having a source of light at night within the area is also helpful. Should you need to attend to the area at night, it will be easier to see the cat.
- If you are introducing a new cat to a barn that already has an established colony, make sure to introduce slowly. Putting the cat’s safe zone near where the others sleep is a great way for a slow introduction. (If in the same room, ensure that the cat’s safe zone is in a large crate or kennel, so they have time to get used to each other, but feels comfortable).
- After a 2-4-week confinement period the cat should be well adjusted to the new environment. This slow and proper introduction will hopefully create a positive experience for you and your new barn cat!
Adopter Requirements:
Cats adopted to live in a rural, barn or shop type setting must have access to food, shelter, water, regular vet care, love, and attention.
Barns or warehouses must be heated or well insulated and these cats must not be expected to fend for themselves. We recommend that 2 cats are adopted together so they have a companion in the outdoor environment
If the adopter leaves the place where the cat(s) is living, he/she must make arrangements for the cat(s). Suitable arrangements include taking the cat with him/her or finding another caregiver to accept responsibility for the ongoing care and welfare of the cat(s) and transfer ownership
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
Your cat(s) will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, dewormed and micro-chipped prior to leaving GTHS.
If you are interested in adopting a cat(s) to live in a rural, farm or shop-like setting please visit the GTHS Shelter at 549 Tenth Line, Collingwood. Adoption hours are 12pm – 4pm daily.
