Campbell County KY

Barn Cat Program

The Campbell County Animal Services’ Barn Cat Program helps place cats in outdoor working homes, such as barns, stables, or similar farm settings. This program is for cats that are not a good fit for a typical house pet. Some cats may not use a litter box consistently or may have other behaviors that make a home placement difficult. Even so, many of these cats can do very well living outdoors in a safe barn environment. Many cats and kittens come to the shelter from outdoor areas, including farms and barns. We also know many farms in our community want barn cats because they help control mice and other pests. The barn cat program helps match these cats with properties where they can thrive while also supporting responsible care.

Barn cats are provided at no cost. Before placement, each cat is spayed or neutered, tested for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus, vaccinated, and treated for worms. This helps protect the cat’s health and reduces the chance of more unwanted kittens in the future. People who take a barn cat must sign an agreement and follow a two to three week transition process. This includes keeping the cat in a safe, enclosed area for two to three weeks so it can adjust to its new location. During this time, the cat should be kept in a large crate or enclosed cage in a secure area that protects it from bad weather and predators. The enclosure must include a litter box, fresh food and water, and a cat carrier or similar shelter where the cat can hide or rest. Providing daily care during this period helps the cat learn that the barn is its home and improves the chance it will stay on the property.

If you are interested in the Barn Cat Program, please contact Campbell County Animal Services at 859-635-2819 or animalservices@campbellcountyky.gov.