Have you ever heard of barn cats? Maybe you’ve heard of them by other names like “farm” or “garden” cats – maybe you haven’t heard of them at all! Let’s take a moment to learn more about these elusive creatures, including their importance and what makes a good feline for the job.
What are Barn Cats?
It is not uncommon to find a feline living on a farm… They’ve been frequenting barns for centuries! Most importantly, barn cats are used to control pests. These natural hunters help reduce the rodent population which can contaminate crops and spread disease to livestock.
That’s a pretty important job! So, what’s the difference between barn cats and traditional indoor pet cats?
Well, barn cats tend to be more independent, more suitable for the outdoors, and sometimes more feral. Comparatively, barn cats may be heartier and stronger hunters. Barn cats usually live in a barn or a similar outdoor structure year round.
Sometimes, cats that may be considered too feral or temperamental to be adopted as pets may be amazing barn cats! Check out the amazing work The Humane Society of The United States (HSUS) is doing for these kinds of cats.
Unique Rehoming for Cats
For cats that may not be well suited for traditional home life, HSUS has taken a unique stance on cat adoption. Not only does HSUS match people with cats that can live and work in the barn, but they also place them with businesses such as plant nurseries, warehouses, and retail stores!
“For cats who won’t tolerate living indoors and who are unable to continue living where they were found outdoors, these programs provide an alternative to euthanasia.” What is a “barn cat?” How cool is it that this organization helps match people looking for unique feline friends, outside of traditional housepets!
What is a “barn cat?” argues that there are many uses for outdoor cats, outside of the traditional, rural sense. Take their story for example, about a woman who adopted cats to protect her property. She had indoor cats that would keep rodents out, but “they still ventured into the walls through her porch and basement, damaging the insulation.”
Funky Feline Employees
Did you know that some breweries adopt cats to deter rodents who might be attracted to grain?! How neat is that! As breweries grow in popularity, maybe their cat companions will, too. I know I would be more inclined to try a new hip spot if there were felines about!
Breweries aren’t the only ones leaning in to these four legged friends. Plant nurseries can employ cats to protect their foliage. These spaces can be desirable homes for rodents. Cats can help keep these unwanted squatters at bay!
Similar to breweries and plant nurseries, warehouses can benefit from the rodent mitigation of a cat on their payroll. Last, but certainly not least, you may find felines as office cats. These furry friends may not serve as much of an ecological purpose, but working offices are an up and coming place for feline friends.
Office pets can help reduce stress, improve mood, increase collaboration and socialization, and create positive emotional bonding! I don’t know about you, but I would love an office pet! Of course, it is important to keep in mind people’s comfortability and allergies.
So, if you didn’t know about barn cats, now you know! Cats are such amazing creatures… They are such capable and precious beings. How cool is it that they can live happy lives while helping out!
