Exactly how “feral” are the Barn Cats?

Each case is different. We sometimes have true “feral” cats who are fearful of humans and were rescued for their own safety, or “semi-feral” cats who may be friendly toward humans. Most of these prefer the company of other cats. On occasion we may have socialized adult cats with inappropriate bathroom behaviors, making them annoying pets who would be much happier living outdoors. For most of these animals, an outdoor/barn placement gives them a second chance for a good life – and keeps the mice away.

Is there any danger?

Moving is stressful for anyone, and cats are no exception. It’s best to speak softly to them as you tend to their needs, and refrain from making direct eye contact at first, which any cat may perceive as a threat. Feral or semi-feral cats will tend to hide from you, but will eventually get used to you and may even get to like you.

How it works

It’s a win-win . . . the property owners get chemical-free rodent control 24/7, and the cats get safe, outdoor homes where they can hunt mice to their heart’s content.

We sometimes have good “outdoor” cats that will make great Barn Cats. All candidates are spayed or neutered, and vaccinated against rabies and feline distemper. These cats are often in desperate need of a new outdoor home, such as a barn, stable, garden shed or other suitable location. If you have a barn or other outbuilding, these cats need you.

A barn behind the family home

This is the best situation. People are close by and tend to spend more time talking to the cats. Usually this means that the barn is far removed from any busy street. Some barns are more like covered stalls, with one or two open sides. This does not usually provide enough cover for the “cat condo” during the relocation period. However, each situation is unique.

If you wake up in the morning, sniff the roasting coffee, open the window for a bit of fresh air, take a look outside, and see a whole lot of cats hanging out in the backyard, then you’re far from alone. Throughout Talbot County, there are hundreds of stray cats, often called “feral” because they are no longer tame. They originate from cats who were lost or abandoned and have learned to fend for themselves as best as they can, usually with some help from a compassionate soul who provides them food. They tend to live in family units called colonies.

The problem is, when left unmanaged, stray cat colonies reproduce prolifically, cause a noxious odor by the spraying by unneutered male cats, can be loud if fighting or mating, dig up gardens, and generally can be a nuisance. Often people are not ill-disposed or unkind to the cats, but don’t want to deal with all their baggage. The first solution that usually comes to mind is to simply remove them – take them away and the problems will be gone -- is the thinking.