Owners often view animals as loyal companions providing comfort and support — but animals can also serve important practical purposes. The Working Cats Program aims to provide untamed or wild domestic cats with a purpose and a permanent home.
These cats, also known as semi-feral or feral cats, cannot be placed in The Haven’s standard adoption program due to their disposition. Rather than face euthanasia, these cats are given meaningful lives through this program — while helping keep pests like mice and rodents away from barns, sheds, and outdoor areas.
All cats placed in the program are spayed/neutered and vaccinated, and no longer contribute to cat overpopulation.
Adopter Requirements
All approved adopters must agree to the following:
Understanding the Cats
Semi-Feral CatsA semi-feral cat is an unowned cat who lives outdoors but can become accustomed to human presence. They typically have a known food source provided by humans and are excellent at managing pests on farms and in outdoor structures. Once spayed/neutered, they become part of a working cat colony — also known as community cats. These cats do not make suitable indoor pets as they enjoy hunting and the outdoors. |
Feral CatsAccording to Alley Cat Allies, a feral cat is an unsocialized outdoor cat who has either never had contact with humans, or whose human contact has diminished over time. Most feral cats are fearful of people and are not likely to become lap cats. There is typically no human-provided food source. Like semi-feral cats, they love the outdoors and love to hunt — and do not make suitable indoor pets. Once spayed/neutered, they too become community cats. |
Interested in Adopting a Working Cat?
We’d love to help you find the perfect working cat for your property. Reach out to our team to get started.