About Working Cats

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Working Cats (also commonly called Barn Cats) are independent-minded felines that thrive in non-traditional home environments where they can live freely while providing natural pest control. These cats are often shy, semi-social, or unsuited for indoor living, making them ideal for barns, warehouses, sheds, factories, or other outdoor or enclosed spaces. While they don’t require constant human interaction, they still need basic care, including daily food, water, shelter, and occasional veterinary attention.

Working Cats play an important role as “employees” who keep properties free of rodents and other pests, all while enjoying a safe and comfortable space to call home. In the past, many of these cats would not have had positive outcomes in the shelter. Thanks to this life-saving program, we’re finding more homes for our feline friends than ever before!

Adopting a Working Cat

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To ensure a smooth adoption process, we encourage potential adopters to schedule an appointment before visiting BARC to adopt a Working Cat. This allows our team to confirm which cats are currently available in the program and prepare your new co-worker for their next big job.

Walk-ins are welcome, but please note that same-day adoptions cannot be guaranteed without an appointment. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please email BARCadoptions@houstontx.gov or call 832-395-9077.

Adopter Requirements

To ensure the success of our Working Cat program and the well-being of the cats, adopters must meet the following requirements:

1. Adopters must be the property owner or have written permission from the property owner stating they are allowed to have a working cat on property.
2. Commit to providing basic care (daily food, clean water, shelter) and veterinary care as needed.
3. Adopters must commit to a 2-3 week acclimation period to help the cat adjust to their new surroundings. This includes keeping the cat in a secure, escape-proof space with food, water, and a litter box during this time.

frequently asked questions

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How many working cats can I adopt at one time? What is included in the adoption? Do I need to pay an adoption fee? How do I choose the right number of cats for my property?

Make an appointment

Appointments are strongly encouraged to adopt a working cat.
Email: BARCadoptions@houstontx.gov
Phone: 832-395-9077

View our hours of operation

Acclimating Your Working Cat

Proper acclimation is essential to the success of your new Working Cat. Unlike house cats, Working Cats need time to adjust to their new surroundings and establish a sense of safety in their environment.

For detailed instructions and tips, visit our guide on Working Cat Acclimation.

Check out this helpful video from Kitten Lady, a trusted expert in feline care, as she walks through the steps to ensure a smooth transition for your independent-minded cat.