Food, Water and Shelter - Like all animals, barn cats have habitat requirements that include food, water and shelter. Without these basic habitat elements, barn cats may not stay in their new home for very long, especially if better habitat is available nearby. For this reason, we cannot relocate cats to a place where they won’t have ongoing access to food or water. We also can’t relocate cats to a site that lacks a roof and protection from weather.
Dogs – We are not opposed to placing cats at barn homes with dogs but there must be a plan to prevent the dogs from chasing the cats off.
Acclimation – When the cats are brought to your barn they must be acclimated to their new home for at least two weeks before they can be released. If the barn or outbuilding is 100% secure, they can be immediately released into the building. Most barns are not secure so a tack room may be used.
If a secure room or building is not available, we can provide a 4’ x 4’ relocation cage for the cats to stay in during the acclimation period. The cage will need to be protected from the elements in an open shed or barn. A quarter of a bale of straw or hay should be placed in and around the cage, which can then be covered with an old blanket. This arrangement helps reduce drafts and creates a cozy space where the cats can relax and get used to the sights, sounds and smells of their new environment.
Sources of Relocation Equipment - If you would like to purchase your own relocation cage, we recommend the 36" x 48” x 48" Midwest Pet Exercise Pen with a wire top. This pen is lightweight, folds easily for transport, can be set up and disassembled quickly, and is easy to clean with a scrub brush, soap, hot water and bleach. Information about this pen is available at midwestpetproducts.com. A kit for building your own enclosure can be found at cdpets.com.
