Sometimes at SARL, cats come to us who will not make a suitable house pet for various reasons. Many times they are semi-feral, or have litterbox issues that they cannot overcome, or sadly, have been abused and no longer know how to appropriately live with people. If you have a working barn or safe, heated outbuilding, you may be able to help. Having a barn cat or cats will help keep down the rodent population. The cats will be helping you, while you provide them a safe place to live.

A SARL volunteer will inspect the barn to ensure it is a suitable environment. After we have determined that it is a good placement, a volunteer will go over with you how to acclimate your new cat(s) to the barn and make them feel at home.

The semi-feral kitty has adapted to sharing space with humans with little fear or stress, but still prefers not to be patted or held. Generally, they are happiest and more confident in the company of other cats as they were once a part of a feral colony. It is particularly difficult for semi-feral kitties to acclimate to new places and people. They require a lot of patience and understanding of their needs. They may never become a domesticated lap cat. If you decide to take a semi-feral cat for your working barn, we ask that either you take two, or that they join an existing group of barn cats, as these cats need to be around other cats.

All cats are tested for feline leukemia and feline AIDS, given their initial distemper and rabies vaccines, and spayed or neutered prior to placement.

If you are interested in barn cats, please fill out an Adoption Request form.