Working Cats

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Through this specialized adoption program, we pair cats not well-suited as indoor pets with families looking for natural rodent and pest control on their property. Working cats, also known as barn cats, feel their best when they have a job to do! If you have a shed, stable, garage or outbuilding, maybe this program is for you!

What is a working cat?

Working cats have temperaments, histories and behaviors that would not make them happy as house cats. They do best as indoor/outdoor cats, where they can use their natural instincts in a natural environment. Cats adopted from this program enjoy free access to the outdoors, where they can come and go at will. However, they understand the care you give them. They appreciate the safety of shelter and predicability of a food source, in the shed, barn or garage where they are housed. They rely on their family to provide for them, just like you rely on them provide their rodent control services. And like all cats, they will spend time running, jumping, chasing, climbing and of course, basking in the sun.

They require:
– Shelter from predators and the elements
– Clean, fresh water
– Healthy, regular diet
– Veterinary care when needed

Like all cats adopted from AWS, working cats are spayed/neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations, and microchipped.

What do adopters need to know?

As an adopter, you should understand that these types of cats often never become become social, affectionate lap cats. They had lack of socialization with humans in their formative months of their kittenhood. Working cats most often remain shy and skittish around people, but may warm up to those who take care of them and they see regularly. That being said, every cat has a unique personality. We have heard from a few working cat adopters who tell us that their (former) working cat has decided life snuggling inside is more suitable!

For more information, please read our Adopting a Working Cat guide.

Questions about this program?

For more information, please contact our Adoption Center via email or telephone at (207) 985-3244.

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Are you feeling blue? Our bonded trio of parakeets Jewel, Rocket, and Blue give a whole new meaning behind this popular phrase in their brand, new blog! These blue beauties hope it will turn things around for you and perhaps, get them adopted in the process! Plus, they even do a little dive into history and research. Now those are three smart birds! 💙🤍🩵

Check out their new blog post online today and make sure to head to our small animals page so you can meet Jewel, Rocket, and Blue!
𝗙𝘂𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗙𝗹𝘂𝗳𝗳, 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗺!

💻 He's a great work from home buddy. He enjoys snacks when I do, we share big yawns and stretches to keep our bodies moving.

📺 To change up his scenery, he enjoys spending time in his living room quarters where he chews on his hay and enjoys a bunny program or a binge worthy Netflix show with us on the TV. 

🛎 When Fluffy hears my voice and needs my attention he loudly throws his bell ball around and when i go to say hello he always runs up and greets me. 

🥗 Fluffy really likes different foods but some are better than other. He’s love his greens and on occasion blueberries and apples are his favorite. 

🚽 Fluffy is 100% potty trained (litterbox) so it makes clean up easy. 

🎉 Rabbits are mostly nocturnal so if you hear something in the night, he’s just partying! 

🐇 Fluffy eats right out of my hand! And never runs away when i pet him. He loves his cheeks scratched. 

📱Call AWS at (207) 985-3244 to arrange a time to meet and adopt this great bunny!
The weather might be cold and dreary but that doesn't stop happy-go-lucky Rip. He's always ready for an outdoor adventure, rain or shine! How is your pet spending this rainy day?