Barn Cats - Tio, Barton, Big Gray

Age: ~7 years old

Sex: Male

Barton (black) and Big Gray (gray) are a bonded pair of outdoor cats. Tio (black and chunky) is also an outdoor cat and friendly with Barton and Big Gray. They wandered upon our backyard more than a year ago and have been well fed and safe ever since. Barton is an adventurous boy that likes to come by for breakfast and dinner but prefers to spend the days roaming the woods. Big Gray is his lazy counterpart and likes to spend the day sleeping somewhere in our backyard. Tio, like Big Gray, also spends the day lounging in our backyard. All three are neutered and accustomed to foxes, raccoons, and other wildlife. They hunt mice, voles, and moles in our yard. Barton, Big Gray, and Tio are looking for a forever home as barn cats. Barton and Big Gray are bonded. Tio can be adopted alone or with Barton and Big Gray.

What is a barn cat?

A barn cat is a cat that lives outside a home (often a barn, farm, or other rural area), but is provided with safe shelter, daily food, and water by the owner. Since these cats live outdoors they usually help with rodent control, such as hunting mice and other pests. Barn cats are not socialized like typical cats that live inside a home. This means that they can’t be handled like a normal cat. They are often very shy and likely won’t let humans pet them. Barn cats can become friendly after months or years, but it is not guaranteed and should not be expected.

The process of introducing a barn cat outside your home can take weeks or months. Since barn cats are relocated to an unfamiliar place (their new home), they must first be provided with a safe shelter to adjust before being let free. This is usually done by keeping them in a crate inside a barn or garage for a month while they learn the area’s new smells and sounds. After they begin to acclimate to their new environment, you can release them while ensuring they continue to have access to food, water, and shelter. This will help them understand your house is a safe environment where they will want to stay.

Why would I want a barn cat?

Barn cats are a great compromise for cats who aren’t friendly enough to be adopted into a home. They still receive consistent food, water, and shelter while providing a benefit to their family (rodent control). They are also low maintenance and only require feeding once or twice a day, access to clean water, and a safe place to stay at night and during storms.