SO, TWO CATS WANDER INTO A BARN... The Eau Claire Humane Association has had its Barn Cat program for seven years, offering a way for rural cats to still find a home, even if it's not in the traditional sense. (Submitted photo)

Cats that are otherwise considered feral, where they aren’t good with people and want to be left alone, are taken in and adopted into the Barn Cat program – which has been going on for seven years – in hopes of finding a new home. These cats are vaccinated, sterilized, and microchipped before adoption.

“Unfortunately, some shelters euthanize feral cats as they are deemed ‘un-adoptable’ by traditional adoption standards, but ECCHA is committed to finding solutions to as many animals as possible – so our Barn Cat program was born," ECCHA's Marketing Director Addie Erdmann said.

The program requires potential adopters to have a rural outdoor shelter available and the willingness to adopt at least two cats. That way, the cats have a warm spot to go to in the Wisconsin winters and a safe spot to retreat to in case they get scared or hurt. Having a home to roam back to also means that food and water you put out are always available and vet checks are possible.

As for the reasoning behind adopting barn cats in pairs, Erdmann explains, “cats relocated in pairs are also more likely to stay after release and they keep one another warm during winter.”

One of the positive personality traits that ECCHA looks for in potential adopters is a commitment to the animal’s welfare and willingness to set up their cats for success in their new rural environment. It is also great to see animal lovers and well-researched individuals who are willing to go the extra mile to see what exactly they are getting into with the type of pet they adopt.

For more information on the Barn Cat Program at the Eau Claire County Humane Association, go to their website.