The hardships of the bold barn cats

Or you could call them the daredevils of the cat world. These semi-wild domestic cats have proven in astonishing circumstances the power and charisma they possess. They protected the farmstead from intruders and, in the meantime, even had time to sweet-talk the farm animals.

This is how barn cats evolved, these tough, cool, uncompromising whiskered beings.

What are barn cats?

Also known as farm cats, they are originally wild or semi-wild domestic cats that live on the farm premises. They often sleep in outbuildings, sometimes with other animals, largely taking care of their own food, but the owner usually chips in a bit. (We’ll delve into what determines this in the following.) Barn cats hunt rodents and protect animals, crops, and equipment from smaller predators like weasels or martens.

Several of these cats usually serve on a farm. They form colonies to ensure their own defense. Natural reproduction allows this unique lifestyle to become ingrained in their DNA. Many farms still keep them today because it’s undeniable that they are more effective than any rodent control technique.

In terms of development, it has happened that stray or feral cats who found their way to a house become barn cats, but it can also happen that the owner intentionally introduces cats to the farm. Moreover, there are now organizations like Barn Buddy that release rehabilitated and neutered, rescued wild and semi-wild cats to farms. Many shelters also have a Working Cat program, where, based on the animal’s mentality and rescue conditions, it is judged whether a place where they can work is more suitable than just being a pet.

While barn cats are mostly simple domestic cats, even breeds like the Scottish Fold, Cornish Rex, American Wirehair, and LaPerm have their origins as barn cats.

The situation of barn cats in the modern world

Farm cats still live under various conditions today, depending on the owner’s attitude. Some colonies or individuals live completely wild on the farm with minimal human contact and no veterinary care. These cats sustain themselves from captured prey, receiving minimal or no food from the owner. Parasites and infectious diseases often appear among them due to the lack of veterinary care.

There are also cats that spend their entire working hours outside on the farm, sleeping among animals or in outbuildings. They receive regular food, are accustomed to humans, and receive veterinary care. The last group includes cats that primarily sleep and spend time inside but have free access to the farm and help control the rodent population.

All three groups lead risky lifestyles. They are not only susceptible to diseases but also to attacks from predators. They can easily be hit by various vehicles, and unfortunately, they often consume poisoned rats or mice, leading to their demise.

The standpoint of the farmers

Owners generally represent two extreme views on whether to feed farm cats or not. There are ones who believe that a well-fed mouser is a happy mouser. Because of this they support the cats’ livelihood with food or leftovers. This encourages them to stay and work on the farm.

Other owners think that cats should earn their daily food, as the misconception persists that a well-fed mouser won’t hunt. Moreover, if these cats cannot find enough rodents on their own, they pack up and look for other hunting grounds.

Characteristics of barn cat colonies

Nothing proves better that cats don’t depend much on humans than the fact that barn cat colonies (mostly females), if large enough, can be self-sustaining without human intervention. (Male cats can also live in barn cat status, but their territory is larger, and they are more prone to wandering.) Responsible caretakers avoid inbreeding by neutering these cats, and then releasing them back to their original place.

If your living conditions require hiring one, two, or more professional mousers, keep a few things in mind. These are animals, sentient beings who need proper care to achieve a decent quality of life. Always administer vaccinations and deworming, and ensure spaying or neutering and microchipping, as well as regular veterinary visits. Provide them with food and fresh water, and of course, an insulated, covered place where they can retreat from predators or the cold.