Barn Cat Program

Program Details

Thanks for your interest in helping to save the lives of our communities feral cats! Many people in urban neighborhoods request that we trap and remove unwanted feral cats each month. The fate of a feral cat is more often than not euthanasia. The WPCAS's Barn Cat Program is structured to help remove feral cats from urban areas and relocate them to more functional environments.

Barn cats go out in pairs, we can do 2, 4, 6 etc. depending on the size of property and number of barns/shelters on your property. You do not get to choose the sex or color of cats you get. The cats are feral and are not handled prior to their surgery and release to their new homes. All cats will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and have an ear docked prior to being released. An ear dock is a procedure that is done during surgery where a small V shape is taken out of the tip of the right ear. This is done for identification purposes, it lets you and others know that the cat has already been altered. Even though your barn cat will hunt your rodents, snakes, and other small pests it must still be fed and have access to water.

Call 817-598-4111 to reserve your Barn Cats today!

How it Works

Once you have left your information with the shelter, you will be contacted to schedule when the cats can be placed. The cats will then be delivered and placed in cages at the barn site for an adjustment period of two weeks. Barn cats may be picked up from the shelter if prior arrangements have been made with staff and if you can properly accommodate them. We will provide (when available):

  • 2-3’ cages are secured together with zip ties (6’ space)
  • Litter at one door/food at other door
  • Crate inside for cover

While caged, the cats become familiar with the sights, sounds, and smells of their new environment. Cages should be set up where the feral cats will be fed after release. Owners will have to be cautious not to allow the cats to escape when giving food and water. If they escape too early, they may get lost.

After 1 week, doors are opened and cats are allowed to leave at will. Cages are normally left at the barn for a few days to a week after release. Once you are confident you cats are familiar with his/her surroundings you may bring the cages back to the shelter. If you are unable to get the cages to the shelter, please call so we can make arrangements to have them picked up.

Cats are territorial creatures. They will usually maintain a home base once their scents have been established, a continuous food source is provided, and they feel safe. A group of cats placed in a barn can travel to multiple neighboring barns but should always returns to their home barn for food and relaxation.

Supporting a barn cat is the safest way to control the rodent and snake population in your barn. There are no poisons for children and pets to get into and no need to set nasty traps.

Once released, you should immediately begin to see less critters and their dropping in your barn or stable. Often the cats will even “pull in” the rats and mice into their cages during the relocation period.
barncatset up

How You Can Help

If you love cats and want to help, please consider becoming a Volunteer! Our volunteers are the ones that schedule and deliver the cats. They also pick up set ups, educate the public and promote the Barn Cat Program. Volunteers are the key resource in the success of this program! It is very rewarding work that allows you to save countless lives! If you are interested, please contact the shelter to find out how to become a registered volunteer.

Another way you can help is by donating. This program is donation ran and always in need of these items:

  • Medium sized zip ties
  • Large to XLarge wire dog crates
  • Cat food
  • Litter
  • Cat hide boxes
  • Litter pans
  • Food dishes