What you need to know about the Working Cat Program

At the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, we strive to find each and every animal that comes into our animal centres a safe and loving home. That is where the working cat program comes in. 

Sometimes community cats end up in our centres and cannot be returned to their original colony site, for various reasons. The Ontario SPCA believes in finding an alternative home for these cats, by giving them “jobs” as working cats! 

Where would working cats be a good fit? 

Working cats are healthy, sterilized, vaccinated, microchipped, ear tipped and in need of a new, non-traditional home environment. Some examples of these new homes we are looking for could include barns, stables, auto repair shops, woodworking shops, wineries, breweries, greenhouses/nurseries/garden centres, churches, storage facilities/warehouses.  

What kind of cat can you expect? 

Working cats are not suited to be your typical indoor pets and, as unsocialized animals, they have no desire to be lap cats. These are working cats – former street cats who are used to outdoor life – and they prefer minimal to no human contact. But they will also happily tend to any mouse, mole or vermin problems for the small cost of a bowl of cat food and water set out daily, as needed veterinary care and shelter in a garage, barn etc. 

And because we spay/neuter these cats before they leave the Ontario SPCA, adopters never need to worry about endless litters of kittens! 

How much does it cost to adopt a working cat? 

The adoption fee is waived; however, we gladly accept donations to help sustain the program. You will be responsible for ongoing veterinary care (as necessary), food, water and shelter. 

*Though the adoption itself is free, we require each working cat to go home with a feral cat winter shelter, so that the cat can be provided with a warm space during the winter months.  The cost for each shelter is $20. 

Interested in adopting a working cat? Read the FAQ on our website and apply to adopt today!