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Working Cat Program
The mission of the Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter is to provide compassionate, humane care and treatment to the shelter population and to responsibly rehome animals into the community. That includes our animals who come into the shelter and who aren’t suitable for adoption.
We have a number of cats who aren’t accustomed to human contact or following the “rules” of living in a typical home environment. We want to give these cats a shot at a great life too, so we’ve created the working cats program.
Working Cats
A working cat is an under-socialized outdoor cat who can provide natural rodent control on a property.
Benefits and Placement
Working cats provide eco-friendly, non-toxic pest control. They are ideal for those with a barn/shed, farm, warehouse, retail store, body shop, car dealership, stable, greenhouse, nursery, vineyard, distillery, scrap yard, large garage or other similar structure.
Supplies Needed for the Program
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Adoption Information
An adoption fee of $20 is required to offset the cost of supplies and medical expenses. The first step in the process is to fill out a Working Cat Adoption Application. To do so, proof of residency and/or approval from a landlord if you rent is required. After initial review of the application, a shelter employee will contact you to match you with the right cat to suit your needs.
Resources
We are willing to provide guidance and resources to ensure the best outcome for you and your working cat. All cats are altered, ear tipped, tested for feline leukemia (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), vaccinated for rabies and distemper, microchipped and dewormed.
Requirements
The Working Cat Adoption Application must be approved before cats will be placed, please fill out the Working Cats Questionnaire Form. Google Maps will be used to determine if the requested location is appropriate for a working cat. Adopters must understand the responsibility of owning a working cat, including the three to four week acclimation period, and they must obtain a license through the county Animal Control Division. Additionally, working cats will need routine veterinary care, flea preventatives, food and water twice a day and a secure shelter. Any supplies borrowed must be returned to the shelter so that future adopters may use them as well.
Acclimation Period
The acclimation period allows the cat to recognize the sights, sounds and smells of its new home. The acclimation period lasts three to four weeks to ensure that the cat recognizes its new feeding grounds. This is an extremely important time because cats who are released too early may try to return to their original home and may never be seen again. During the acclimation period, the cat should be kept in a crate with a hidey box, litter box, blanket and food/water dishes. The crate should be located where the cat will typically spend its time, such as a barn, shed or garage area. Position the hidey box away from the opening of the crate so as not to cause anxiety. The litter box and food/water dishes can be placed at the front of the crate for easy access.
After the Acclimation Period
Following the acclimation period, open the crate in the evenings so the cat can safely explore his/her new home. If the cat is inside a barn, stable, etc. keep the doors and windows closed. After a few days of inside exploration, open the doors and windows and allow the cat to venture outside. Leave the acclimation crate set up for the next five to seven days or until the cat no longer uses it.
Long-term Care for a Working Cat
Feed your cat in the same location and typically around the same time for consistency. It is very important to keep the cat’s rabies vaccine up to date, as it is required by law. If you are able to handle your working cat, a flea preventative is also important. Learn your working cat’s behavior so that you know when something is wrong and when veterinary attention is needed. Always provide a warm and dry place for your cat to be free from the elements; we recommend the area the acclimation period took place. Fresh water should always be available.
Contact
If you are interested in adopting a working cat, email our Volunteer and Rescue Coordinator Jamie Hash or call 410-535-7387.
View Adoptable Working Cats
Citizens are encouraged to visit this page often for any and all available working cats for adoption. If no working cats are listed below, there are currently no working cats at the shelter available for adoption. Being an open admission shelter, we DO NOT place animals “on hold”. They will be placed for adoption to the first qualified adopter.