Working Cat Program
Sometimes community cats, which some people refer to as feral cats, end up in our animal centres and cannot be returned to their original colony site for various reasons. These cats prefer limited social interaction and aren’t typical indoor companions. The Ontario SPCA believes in finding an alternative home for these cats by giving them “jobs” as working cats!
These cats are healthy, sterilized, vaccinated, microchipped, ear-tipped and in need of a new, non-traditional home environment. Some examples of these new homes we are looking for could include barns, stables, auto repair shops, woodworking shops, wineries, breweries, greenhouses/nurseries/garden centres, churches, storage facilities/warehouses.
Working cats are not suited to be your typical indoor pets, and, as unsocialized animals, they have no desire to be lap cats. These are working cats, former street cats who are used to outdoor life, prefer minimal to no human contact, and who will happily tend to any mouse, mole or vermin problems for the small cost of a bowl of cat food and water set out daily, as needed veterinary care and shelter in a garage, barn, etc.
And because we spay/neuter these cats before they leave the Ontario SPCA, adopters never need to worry about endless litters of kittens!
Ready to adopt a working cat?
Working Cat FAQs
How much does it cost to adopt a working cat?
The adoption fee is waived; however, we gladly accept donations to help sustain the program. You will be responsible for ongoing veterinary care (as necessary), food, water and shelter.
*Although the adoption fee has been waived, we require each working cat to go home with a feral cat shelter to ensure they have a warm, comfortable space during the winter months. The cost for each shelter is $25.
What do I do when I bring the cat home?
When you bring the new cat(s) home, they will need to be confined to an escape-proof room or enclosure like a tack room, garage, or XL dog crate for 3-4 weeks while they acclimate to their new surroundings and any other working cats on the property. You will feed/water and clean the litter pan daily and provide a hiding spot during the confinement period. After this period of confinement, the cats will usually accept their new home and may be released. You will continue to provide daily food and water, and allow them 24/7 access to shelter, such as your barn or garage.
Are working cats spayed or neutered?
Yes. All working cats come spayed or neutered, current on vaccinations, microchipped, ear tipped and treated for intestinal worms and external parasites (eg, fleas and ticks).
Will I be responsible for future vaccinations & health concerns?
Any cat you adopt from the Ontario SPCA will be current on vaccinations. Following adoption, you will be responsible for keeping the animal’s vaccinations up to date and for monitoring the animal for any future health concerns that may come up. The best way to have feral cats vaccinated or examined by a veterinarian is with the use of a humane live trap.
Do you have any friendly working cats?
The cats in the working cat program are not social or suited to be pets. They have no desire to be “lap cats” and many prefer not to be touched. We strongly encourage adopters to offer cats in this program an independent life, complemented by appropriate care and shelter, like a barn or garage. On occasion, we may have a semi-feral cat go through our program that needs a special home. If you are interested in taking on a more social cat, please indicate this on your application.
What does a working cat require?
A working cat requires shelter in a permanent building or structure like a barn, warehouse, stable, or garage in a suitable area where they will be safe. The property should ideally be away from busy roads. Daily food and water must be provided, as well as any future medical care needed. They must also be kept confined for the initial three to four-week relocation period to ensure a successful transition to their new home.
How long will it take to get my working cat?
Unfortunately, because we never know when we will receive a suitable feral cat for our program, and we really try to match the right cat(s) to their most appropriate home, we cannot guarantee a time frame. We could be looking for a barn, etc., right away, and you will get a call the next day, or it could be months before we have the right cat(s) for you.
Can I come look at or select my working cat?
The Ontario SPCA does its best in selecting working cats and matching them with their appropriate home based on the individual needs of each cat. We want to minimize stress for these cats as much as possible by limiting human interactions.
Do you adopt out working cats during the winter?
Yes, possibly; if there is suitable shelter for the cat, we will adopt out cats during the winter months at our discretion.
What happens if our working cat isn’t the right fit?
We always do our best to match the right cat to the right home; however, we won’t truly know until the cat settles into its new environment whether it’s been a successful relocation or not. If the cat isn’t adjusting well to its new surroundings, please contact us, and we will discuss it further with you. If the cat needs to be brought back to us, we understand and will always accept the cat back into our care. We would also consider a request to adopt another working cat if this were the case.
