Working Cat Adoption Program
Cats for barns, workshops or businesses
Saving Grace places healthy cats that aren’t suitable as pets into environments where they can flourish, working alongside humans to control rat and mice populations. These cats can be placed successfully in barns, workshops, construction companies, and other businesses looking for inexpensive and effective rodent control. Cats are more successful and effective when placed in pairs or groups, so multiple-cat adoptions are encouraged, but not required.
Adopting cats for this purpose offers a safe home and better life to cats who wouldn’t otherwise be candidates for adoption. Primarily this program is for cats who react negatively to routine handling by people and would not do well as a house cat.
Cats who fit this description are often most successful when adopted in groups of two or three. Adopters must agree to provide:
- A warm, safe shelter like a barn or shop to keep the cat protected from the elements
- Food and clean water every day (Cats can’t live on mice alone!)
- Future medical care if needed
- A way to keep the cats contained for 2-3 weeks to acclimate to new surroundings
If you or somebody you know is interested in this life-saving program, contact the Second Chance coordinator at 541-672-3907 ext 113 or complete a Working Cat Pre-Adoption Application.
FAQ
What kind of care do cats receive at Saving Grace?
Cats in this program receive the same care as cats in our other adoption programs. They are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, tested for FIV/FeLV, given flea treatment and dewormer, and microchipped.
What does it cost to adopt a cat that can help with rodent control?
While there is no adoption fee for these cats, we will gratefully accept any donated amount to help support the program. It costs Saving Grace approximately $75 per cat to prepare a cat for its new home.
Why must these cats be confined for the first 2-3 weeks?
Cats need time to adjust to new surroundings and do better if introduced to smaller spaces first. Confining your new cat for 2-3 weeks will help it become comfortable with its new home. Cats allowed to roam immediately may not realize that they will have food and shelter and may never return.
To ensure the cats remain confined, make sure the shelter has no escape routes, including holes in siding or open windows. If the shelter has escape routes, you may use a large dog kennel to contain the cats. Make sure that the cats are given food and water daily and a litter box.
You can allow the cats to explore the property after 2-3 weeks of confinement. If the cats were originally housed in a crate, leave the crate in the area as a safe place to hide or sleep for at least a week. Continue to leave food and water out for the cats. If the cats are primarily indoors or in a barn, consider offering a litter box to contain waste.
How do I adopt a cat in this program?
Start by submitting an application. Within three business days, you will be contacted by Saving Grace’s Second Chance Coordinator. Once your application is approved, we will put your name on a waiting list until we have a cat available who suits your needs. Staff will notify you when the cats arrive and will be ready for adoption (typically 1-3 days later). All adoptions must be completed in person.
