2021 - Volume #45, Issue #5, Page #20
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Adopt Feral Cats for Barnyard Pest Control
Looking for cats to take care of rodents in your barns and other outbuildings? Consider employing the services of Barn Cats, Inc. to give “non-adoptable” city cats a new lease on life. Based in Dallas, Texas, this rescue organization rehomes nuisance feral cats into safe barns, warehouses, sheds, back patios, and other suitable spaces throughout North Texas. Founder Peggy Atkerson has been in the cat rescue business for over 30 years and says their service could be duplicated in other areas of the country. For the first decade, she focused on standard adoptions throughout Lewisville, Texas. One day, a feral mother cat and kittens showed up. The mom was too wild to place for adoption, so Peggy advertised her as a barn cat. To her surprise, a local newspaper picked up the story and the cat found a home.
The feral cat adoption side of her services soon snowballed, and Peggy established a 501c3 nonprofit to scale up her operation. To date, Barn Cats, Inc. has placed over 8,000 cats in 37 North Texas counties and 5 Oklahoma counties. “We understand that not all these cats will survive on a farm or ranch,” says Peggy. “But most would end up in city shelters where none would survive. We are giving them a second chance.”
To receive a barn cat, you must own a barn, shed, or another secure shelter that can be closed up to protect the cats from predators and someone must live on the property full time or visit daily.
All cats in the program are fixed, fully vetted, and receive rabies and distemper shots before becoming eligible for adoption.
Most people adopt 3 cats at a time, as one will almost always disappear upon release. Adopting 3 offers a better guarantee that you won’t be left cat-less.
Those interested in adoptions can call 972 742-5238 or email info@barncats.org after reviewing the website www.barncats.org. Adoptions are free, although tax-deductible donations are requested.
Interested in starting your own barn cat rehoming program? The book Got Rats? We Have Cats outlines the process for establishing a successful rescue. All proceeds from the book go to support Barn Cats, Inc.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Barn Cats, Inc., PO Box 12642, Dallas, Texas 75225 (ph 972 742-5238; info@barncats.org; www.barncats.org).
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