All about working cats
What is a “working cat”?
Cats searching for homes through PAWS’ Working Cat Adoption Program can range quite a bit in personality. Some are fearful of humans due to lack of socialization and need a quiet place to live independently. Many previously lived outdoors, or were indoor/outdoor cats, who don’t have a safe home to return to and are not adjusting to indoor life. Others may be friendly but too energetic (or feisty) for a traditional home, so we’re looking for a more robust outlet for their energy by matching them with an environment with more enrichment and space to roam.
How do you care for a working cat?
When adopting a Working Cat, you are committing to being its primary caregiver for the rest of its life, providing a warm shelter, food, water, and medical care. Adopters should make a plan for daily care and consider how best to keep a cat safe from dangers, such as heavy machinery, traffic, weather, and predators.
All Working Cats are vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and microchipped. They will need routine yearly vaccinations, regular flea & tick preventative, and medical care as needed.
Finding the perfect working cat for you
To ensure a good fit, we start by asking you to complete a brief questionnaire. Then, we will help you make a great match for your property and answer any questions you may have.
For placement, it is helpful if you have a crate or space to acclimate the cat. PAWS can also loan you a crate. You can pick up the cat, or we can provide transportation and even help set-up the cat in their new home!
To acclimate and adjust to a new property, a cat needs to reset their internal GPS and become comfortable with their new food source (you). For an outdoor or an indoor/outdoor property, a cat will temporarily live in an extra large crate or enclosed room during the three-to-four weeks they’ll need to adjust to their new home before being allowed to roam free. To learn more, please email workingcats@phillypaws.org
Working Cats Available for Adoption
Evie
While shy and reserved, this sweet tuxie will hang around close by once she is given the chance to decompress and feel comfortable and safe with her people and surroundings.
Hercules
Hercules is a sweet boy who enjoys a nice chin scratch and a tasty treat, but he is looking for a rodent control job STAT!