R2 Feral Cat Rescue – Barn Cat Program
Program Overview
R2 Feral Cat Rescue’s Barn Cat Program provides safe, working homes for unsocialized or semi-feral cats who are unable to be returned to their original location due to safety concerns or environmental risks. These may include but are not limited to: active construction zones, high-traffic areas, hostile property owners, flooding zones, industrial sites, or locations where cats are at risk of poisoning, abuse, or displacement.
These cats are placed on farms, barns, warehouses, stables, breweries, and similar properties where they can live safely, receive consistent care, and help control rodent populations. All cats in the program are T.N.V.R.’d (Trap–Neuter/Spay–Vaccinate–Return/Relocate), microchipped when possible, and health-checked prior to placement.
This program exists due to the critical and growing need for safe barn and indoor/outdoor working cat placements with responsible guardians who are willing to provide care, protection, and long-term commitment.
There is no adoption fee for barn cats. This program is completely free in order to encourage safe placement, reduce euthanasia risk, and expand humane solutions for feral cats in our community.
Our goals are to:
Save the lives of feral cats who cannot safely be returned to their original location
Provide ethical, humane rodent control solutions
Support responsible property owners who are willing to be guardians
Reduce community cat overpopulation
What Is a Barn Cat?
A barn cat is a feral or semi-feral cat that cannot safely live as a traditional house pet and cannot be returned to their original colony location. These cats:
Are not comfortable with close human handling or indoor living
Thrive in outdoor or indoor/outdoor working environments
Receive food, water, shelter, and routine care from their designated caretaker or guardian
These cats are not pets in the traditional sense. They are working cats with guardians, and while some may become friendly over time, no level of socialization is guaranteed.
Why This Program Matters
Many feral cats are trapped through TNR efforts and found to be in locations where return is unsafe or impossible. Without barn placement programs, these cats often face:
Euthanasia due to lack of placement options
Relocation to unsuitable environments
Ongoing danger in high-risk areas
The Barn Cat Program provides a humane, lifesaving alternative that benefits both the cat and the property owner. Cats receive safety, stability, and care. Property owners receive natural rodent control and the satisfaction of saving lives.
This program is a community partnership. It only works when guardians are committed to the long-term safety and wellbeing of the cats.
A barn cat is a feral or semi-feral cat that:
Is not comfortable with close human handling or indoor living
Thrives in an outdoor working environment
Receives food, water, shelter, and routine care from their caretaker
These cats are not pets in the traditional sense, but they form bonds with their caretakers over time and are extremely loyal to their territory.
What We Provide
R2 Feral Cat Rescue provides the following at no cost to the adopter/guardian:
Spay/neuter surgery
Core vaccinations (rabies and FVRCP)
Deworming and flea treatment
Health check prior to placement
Guidance on acclimation and long-term care
What You Provide
To qualify as a barn cat placement home, you must legally and physically be able to provide:
A safe, dry, and secure shelter (barn, shed, garage, outbuilding, tack room, etc.)
Daily food and fresh, unfrozen water
A 2–4 week acclimation period in an enclosed space
Ongoing care and monitoring
Protection from harm, neglect, poisoning, and abuse
A commitment to keep the cat(s) on your property
A commitment to maintain required vaccinations as advised
A commitment to contact R2 Feral Cat Rescue before any relocation or rehoming
By participating in this program, you are agreeing to act as the cat’s guardian and caretaker.
How the Program Works & Timeline
Step 1 – Application
You submit a Barn Cat Application. Our team reviews your information and may request photos or schedule a call to ensure your property is suitable.
Step 2 – Matching
We match you with an appropriate cat or bonded group based on your environment and needs.
Step 3 – Placement & Acclimation (2–4 Weeks)
All barn cats must complete a 2–4 week acclimation period in a fully enclosed space (stall, large crate, secure shed, garage, etc.). This teaches the cat that your property is their new home.
During this time you will:
Provide daily food and water
Keep the cat confined
Monitor health and behavior
Step 4 – Release & Ongoing Care
After acclimation, the cat is released on your property and continues to receive daily care, shelter, and monitoring.
This process is required and non-negotiable. Failure to properly acclimate is the leading cause of barn cat displacement.
All barn cats must complete a 2–4 week acclimation period in an enclosed area (stall, large crate, shed, etc.) so they learn that your property is their new home. This step is critical to successful placement and retention.
We will provide detailed instructions and support throughout this process.
Common Placement Locations
Farms & barns
Stables & riding facilities
Warehouses & storage buildings
Breweries & wineries
Garden centers & nurseries
Workshops & garages
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this program really free? Yes. There is no adoption fee. This program is offered at no cost due to the urgent need for safe placements for cats who cannot be returned to their original location.
Why can’t these cats be returned? Common reasons include construction, property owner threats, traffic danger, industrial hazards, flooding, or colony displacement.
Will the cats hunt? Yes, most barn cats naturally hunt, though results vary. Their presence alone also helps deter rodents.
Do I have to handle the cat? No. These cats are independent and may never be comfortable with handling.
How many cats should I take? We often recommend placing cats in pairs or small groups so they are not alone and can acclimate more easily.
What if the cat disappears? With proper acclimation this is rare. However, R2 Feral Cat Rescue will provide guidance and support if it occurs.
Legal & Liability Notice
R2 Feral Cat Rescue is a registered non-profit animal rescue operating in compliance with applicable federal, Pennsylvania state, and City of Hermitage ordinances regarding animal welfare and placement.
By accepting placement of a barn cat, you acknowledge and agree that:
You assume responsibility for daily care, shelter, and safety of the cat(s)
You will comply with all local zoning, animal, and property regulations
R2 Feral Cat Rescue is not liable for injury, property damage, or pest outcomes
You will not abandon, sell, transfer, or surrender the cat(s) without notifying R2 Feral Cat Rescue
This program is intended as a humane alternative to euthanasia and unsafe return and is not a commercial pest control service.
Will the cats hunt? Yes. Most barn cats naturally hunt, though results vary. Their presence alone also helps deter rodents.
Do I have to handle the cat? No. These cats are independent and may never be comfortable with handling.
How many cats should I take? We often recommend placing cats in pairs or small groups so they are not alone and can acclimate more easily.
What if the cat disappears? While rare with proper acclimation, it can happen. R2 Feral Cat Rescue will advise and support you if this occurs.
Barn Cat Adoption Application
After You Apply
Once your application is received:
Our team will review your information
We may contact you for additional details or photos of your property
We will match you with an appropriate cat or group of cats
We will schedule placement and provide full acclimation instructions
Contact
R2 Feral Cat Rescue Website: www.r2feralcatrescue.com Email: admin@r2feralcatrescue.com