Cat Rescue and Adoption NetworkAdopting a Working Cat

Limited availability at this time. Applications being accepted, though applicants are urged to seek out other working cat options. Applicants will be contacted in the order received when working cats are available, to confirm your continued interest in adopting.

When un-socialized or feral cats come into our care and it is not safe to return them to their home territory, we will consider non-traditional adoption placement.

These cats are healthy, sterilized, vaccinated, microchipped and in need of a new outdoor home like a barn, stable, garage, shed, winery, nursery or

warehouse. Working cats are not suited to be indoor pets and, as un-socialized animals, have no desire to be lap cats.

These are working cats, former street cats who are used to outdoor life, prefer minimal to no human contact, and who will happily tend to any mouse, mole, chipmunk, or vermin problems for the small cost of a bowl of cat food and water set out daily, as needed veterinary care and shelter in a garage or barn.

And, because we spay or neuter each cat, adopters never need worry about endless litters of kittens!

Interested in adopting a working cat? Read the FAQ below and apply to adopt at the bottom of the page!

How much does it cost to adopt a working cat?

The adoption fee is waived. You will be responsible for ongoing veterinary care (as necessary), food, water and shelter.
What do I do when I bring the cats home?

You will feed/water and clean the litter pan daily during the confinement period. After this period of confinement, they may be released and most cats usually accept their new home. You will continue to provide daily food and water and allow them access to shelter such as your barn or garage.
Are they spayed or neutered?

Yes. All working cats come spayed or neutered, current on vaccinations, treated for worms and fleas and microchipped.
Will I be responsible for future vaccinations?

Any cat you adopt from CRAN will be current on vaccinations. Following adoption, you will be responsible for keeping the cat’s vaccinations up to date. The best way to have feral cats vaccinated is with the use of a live humane trap such as TruCatch. Be sure your veterinarian will examine and vaccinate a feral cat before you trap her.
Do you have any friendly working cats?

No. The cats in the working cat program are not social, friendly cats or suited to be pets. They have no desire to be “lap cats” and cannot be touched, or may take a very long time to trust enough to pet. We strongly encourage adopters to offer cats in this program an independent outdoor life complemented by appropriate care and shelter like a barn or garage.
Do you have any kittens in the Working Cat Program?

The youngest cats in the Working Cat Program are approximately six months old. CRAN will not adopt younger kittens as working cats, as they don’t yet have the knowledge, size, or skills to remain safe outdoors. Most cats in the program are young adults between one and seven years of age, though we do have younger and older cats available occasionally. If you have an age preference, just let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you!
What do the working cats require?

The cats require shelter in a permanent building or structure like a barn, shed, stable, or garage in a suitable rural area where they will be safe. The property should be at least 0.5 miles away from busy roads. Daily food and water must be provided, as well as any future medical care needed. The cats must also be kept confined for the initial 2 to 4 week relocation period to ensure a successful transition to their new home.
Can I come look at, or select, my working cats?

The CRAN working cats are not accessible to visitors for safety reasons. When you are scheduled to adopt, CRAN will select working cats for you based on which cats are the most eager to enter a cat carrier for us. If you have a color, age, or gender preference we will do our best to accommodate you though! Just fill out the application below to get started!