Working Cats

Working Cats Download
The majority of cats can easily live as indoor
house pets but many of the cats that come to our shelter have temperaments
better suited for an outdoor lifestyle. These cats may be more successful as a
working cat. If you have a barn, stable, warehouse, brewery, etc. you can help
save a life.
Working cats fall into the following
categories:
· Feral: cats that
are under socialized and untouchable. They prefer the company of other animals
and can become aggressive if cornered but will not aggress if left alone. These
cats are excellent hunters.
· Semi-Feral: these
cats may allow people to touch them but will most likely hide from strangers.
· Semi-Social: with
work these cats will likely allowing touching and possibly handling. They will
most likely still hide from strangers but may bond to their caregivers.
Adopting a working cat can help control your
pest problem while saving a life of a cat not suited for an indoor lifestyle.
What is Provided
Each cat is:
- Spay or neutered
- Vaccinated for Rabies and Feline Distemper
- Dewormed and treated for fleas
- Tested for Feline Leukemia and FIV
- Microchipped and Ear tipped (universal sign to indicate a sterilized cat)
What You Provide
- Daily food and water
- Shelter in a barn, stable, warehouse, etc. away from high traffic streets.
- Veterinarian care, as needed.
- A secure location for the cats to acclimate for the first 2 to 4 weeks.
Help us spread the word about this new, life-saving program by sharing our Working Cat Flyer.
Working Cat Program FAQ’s
Q. Has DuPage County
Animal Services changed their philosophy on cats living outdoors?
A. For most cats, an indoor lifestyle is safer and healthier than living outdoors. We as an organization that advocates for animal welfare typically advise all cat owners to keep their pets indoors.
However, many cats brought into our shelter by the public have never been properly socialized with humans or lived indoors. Most of these cats are unable to adjust to an indoor environment and make a better hunter than a lap cat.
Adopting out these cats to caring owners who can care for them outdoors can provide them a better quality of life.
Q. Do the people who
adopt a Working Cat have to care for them or can the cat fend for themselves?
A. Adopters will need to be able to provide a warm shelter protected from
the weather, regular food and water, and veterinarian care as needed.
Q. Who should I
contact if I am interested in adopting a Working Cat?
A. DCAS partners with Feral Fixers, a community Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)
organization to find placement for working cats. Volunteers at Feral Fixers
help match you to the right cat(s) for your situation. They will also guide you
through the acclimation period that working cats require to properly adjust.
Feral Fixers currently finds placement for all
of the working cats that are taken in by DCAS. By working with them, you help
us!
Visit their website today
to learn about working cats: www.feralfixers.org/working-cats
or email them at workingcats@feralfixers.org
Success Story

Mittens and Owl came to DCAS with two other siblings. The foursome came
into our shelter as young adult cats and were not socialized to people.
Unfortunately, they could not be placed into homes and were placed into the
"Working Cat Program." A wonderful barn offered to house all of them.
With time they adjusted to their new lives in a horse barn, entertaining the
patrons of the barn, and keeping the barn feed clear of mice. The children that
visit the barn have made them houses to hide in! Midnight, Owl, Eclipse, and
Fox have been given a second chance at life and we couldn't be happier for
them.