What is a Barn Buddy?
A Barn Buddy is a cat that has previously lived outdoors and is not accustomed to being handled by humans. These cats are often unsocialized, meaning that they are essentially wild animals who typically do not depend on humans for survival and who are able to live outdoors with minimal assistance. These animals are helpful to have on residential and commercial properties because they’re excellent at hunting, which helps protect your business or property from rodents and pests.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How many should I adopt?While there is no right or wrong answer, cats are social animals that thrive in communities so we recommend adopting at least a pair if you don’t already have an existing colony on your property. Even adopting 3-4 fixed barn cats at a time is not uncommon.
What is included in the adoption?Barn Buddies adopted from Southern Pines Animal Shelter are free, rabies vaccinated, fixed, and ear tipped so that they’re easily identifiable as altered.
Each cat leaving the property will need safe transport such as a carrier or trap. We are able to provide sturdy, cardboard carriers for $10 for our barn cat adopters. When you adopt barn cats, we also provide consultation on how to successfully acclimate them to their new home. |
What do I need for them once we get home?Barn cats are low maintenance animals requiring only a small amount of food, water, and a shelter of some sort such as barns, sheds, warehouses, or any other outdoor accessible living options. You will also need a secure place to keep them for the first 2-4 weeks while they acclimate to your barn (this can be a tack room, large crate or any secure indoor enclosure)
Will they become more social?The degree to which our barn buddy kitties keep their distance varies from cat to cat and may change over time. Even those who prefer to keep their distance may develop bonds with their caregiver after positive encounters with people.
How do I get my own Barn Buddy?Keep an eye on on the adoptable cats page on our website. All barn cats will be identified by the addition of "BC" at the beginning of their name.
Southern Pines waives the adoption fee on all of our barn cats. If you are interested in becoming a Barn Buddy for a cat in need, please complete the form above. While we can't always guarantee we will have Barn Buddies available, this form will let us know you're interested and we can contact you when we have barn cats available.
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If you would like to help us continue this program, please consider making a donation to support our barn cat program .
Other Resources:
Click to Download: How to Care for Your Barn Buddy
