At the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, we strive to find every animal that comes into our animal centers a safe and loving home. Sometimes community cats end up in our centers and cannot return to their original colony site for various reasons. As former street cats accustomed to outdoor life, working cats are not typical indoor pets and have no desire to be lap cats. However, what they lack in social skills they make up for when it comes to controlling pest problems. The Ontario SPCA believes in finding alternative homes for these cats by giving them “jobs” as working cats!
These cats are healthy, spayed, vaccinated, microchipped, ear-tipped and in need of a new, unconventional home environment. Here are some examples of the new homes we are looking for. Warehouses, stables, auto repair shops, woodworking shops, wineries, breweries, greenhouses/nurseries/garden centers, churches, storage facilities/warehouses. Working cats are not suited to be your typical indoor pets and, as antisocial animals, they have no desire to be lap cats. These are working cats, former street cats who are used to outdoor life, prefer minimal human contact, and are happy for the modest cost of a daily bowl of cat food and water. Khushi will deal with any rodent, mole or insect problems. , animal care and shelter in garages, barns, etc. as needed.
And because we spay these cats before they leave the Ontario SPCA, adopters never have to worry about an endless litter of kittens!
Interested in adopting a working cat? Read the FAQs below and apply to adopt at the bottom of this page!
How much does it cost to adopt a working cat?
Adoption fees are waived, however, we gladly accept donations to help sustain the program. You will be responsible for ongoing veterinary care (as required), food, water and shelter.
*Although the adoption itself is free, we will require each working cat to go home with a feral cat winter shelter, to provide the cat with a warm place during the winter months. Each shelter costs $20.
What do I do when I bring the cat home?
When you bring a new cat(s) home, they will need to be confined to an escape room or enclosure such as a tack room, garage, or XL dog crate for 3-4 weeks while they adjust to their new environment and Adapt to any environment. Other cats working on the property. You will provide daily food/water and clean the litter pan and provide a hiding place during the confinement period. After this period of confinement, the cats will usually accept their new home and can be released. You will continue to provide food and water daily and allow them 24/7 access to a shelter such as your barn or garage.
Are they spayed or neutered?
Yes all working cats are spayed or neutered, current on vaccinations, microchipped, ear tipped and treated for intestinal worms and external parasites (eg fleas and ticks).
Will I be responsible for future vaccinations and health concerns?
Any cat you adopt from the Ontario SPCA will be current on vaccinations. After adoption, you will be responsible for keeping the animal’s vaccinations up to date and monitoring the animal for any health concerns that may arise in the future. The best way to get feral cats vaccinated or examined by a veterinarian is to use a humane live trap.
Do you have any friendly working cats?
No. Cats in the Working Cat program are not socialized, friendly cats or pets. They have no desire to be “lap cats” and cannot be touched, or take a long time to trust pets. We encourage adopters to offer the cats in this program an independent outdoor life complete with proper care and shelter such as a barn or garage. On occasion, we may have a semi-feral cat come through our program that needs a special home – if you are interested in adopting a more “social” cat, please indicate this on your application.
What does a working cat need?
A working cat needs shelter in a suitable place in a permanent building or structure such as a shed, barn, stable or garage where it can be kept safe. The property should ideally be away from busy roads. Food and water should be provided daily, as well as medical care needed in the future. They should also be restricted to beginners. 3-4 week relocation period To ensure a successful transition to your new home.
How long will it take to get my working cat?
Unfortunately, because we never know when we will find a suitable feral cat for our program and we really strive to match the right cat(s) with the most suitable home, we cannot guarantee timing. can give We may be looking for a barn, etc., and get a call the next day, or it may be months before we have the right cat for you.
Can I view or select my working cat?
No. The Ontario SPCA does its best to select working cats and match them with suitable homes based on each cat’s individual needs.
Do you adopt winter working cats?
Yes, possibly; If there is a suitable cat shelter, we will adopt cats during the winter months at our discretion.
What if our working cat isn’t the right fit?
We always do our best to match the right cat to the right home, however, we won’t truly know until the cat is in its new environment whether the transition has been successful or not. If the cat is not adjusting well to its new environment, please contact us and we will discuss this further with you. If the cat needs to be returned to us, we understand and will always accept the cat back into our care. If this were the case, we would also consider a request to adopt another working cat.
Is there a similar program in my community?
Please contact your local SPCA or humane society to see if they offer a similar program.
Ready to adopt a working cat?
Fill out the application here!
Learn more about our community cat support programs.
For more information, you can also contact us at workingcats@ontariospca.ca.
