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Working Cats

These are cats that WCHS has available for outside rehoming at no charge.

WCHS believes that unless the cats’ lives are threatened or their environment about to be demolished, the optimum place for them is where they currently live. Cats are territorial animals and form strong bonds with the location they inhabit. They have likely lived there for a long time, perhaps many years. A food source exists in the area and the cats are acclimated to local conditions. Relocating feral cats, whether a few or an entire colony, is a difficult, time-consuming, and problematic undertaking. However, there are times that WCHS is unable to have the cat remain on the property & WCHS is always looking for rehoming caretakers. 

All of the cats WCHS rehomes will have at a minimum:

  • Been Spayed or Neutered
  • A Rabies shot (if over 3 months of age and 3 pounds)
  • A left ear tip
  • A FVRCP (distemper) Vaccination
  • A dose of Selamectin (flea, mite, roundworm, & hookworm 30 day preventative)
Application for Outdoor Cats

Behavior of Working Cats

A majority of the cats WCHS is looking to rehome would be considered feral cats.  These are typically cats that can co-exist with other cats, after the adjustment period,  to form a colony but will not be able to be handled by people.  Like all wild animals, they may strike out when frightened, cornered, and unable to run away.

 

Occasionally WCHS will have semi-feral or friendly cats available.

  • All rehomed cats must go through a Adjustment Period for 2-3 weeks on the new property. See below for more information. 
  • Provide daily food & water
  • Provide a source of shelter for the cats that provides adequate protection from the elements year round. Examples: Barn, shed, garage, constructed cat enclosure.
  • Cats must go through a 2-3 week adjustment period when being relocated.
  • This is to help cat understand new surroundings including shelter, food, & water sources. As well as acclimating to sights & sounds of new property.
  • If cats are set free upon arrival, they may attempt to return to their former outdoor area & likely get lost.
  • This space must fully contain the cat(s) during the adjustment period.
  • While the cats are confined, the caretaker must provide clean water, food, a pet carrier or similar to be able to hide, and clean litterbox (scooped daily). Providing canned (wet) food during this period will help them feel comfortable in their new environment. 
  • During the confinement period, it is also important for the new caretaker to make contact with the cats by talking to them. This will help them get used to human voices. It is noted that people who make the effort to communicate with the cats are also those who have the most successful relocations.
  • Outdoor Cat Shelter Options- https://www.alleycat.org/resources/feral-cat-shelter-options-gallery/
  • Provide extra food and water to help cats stay warm
    Cats can benefit from extra food during winter, so increase food portions to help them conserve energy. Canned or wet food takes the least amount of energy to digest, meaning more energy can be spent on fighting the chill.
    Be sure to provide fresh food and water daily or twice daily rather than let leftovers freeze.
    Prevent food and water from freezing with these methods
    • Serve wet food in plastic containers. Providing mainly dry food, which will not freeze, works for frigid temperatures, too. However, dry food takes more energy to digest.
    • Warm up canned food and water before serving or use heated electric bowls.
    • Use bowls that are deep rather than wide and place them in sunny areas to keep water from freezing. Check out some bowls tested by caregivers. Avoid using metal bowls.
    • Spray insulation foam into the underside of plastic feeding dishes and water bowls to help prevent food and water from freezing as quickly.
    • Or, you can put a microwavable heating pad, like a Snuggle Safe, under the bowls. You can even make your own homemade heating pad by filling fabric pouches with rice, and heating it in the microwave.
    • If there’s a water source like a spigot, run the water slightly because it won’t freeze as fast as still water. You can also use a water fountain or water bowl with a fountain feature.