The goal of the WPCAS staff is to remove the feral cats from urban areas and relocate them to environments where they can be functioning animals in a more rural setting .
“ Since our feral cat program has started , 1,293 cats have been saved from euthanasia ,” said Animal Shelter Manager Ashley Woolnough . “ The program is absolutely imperative and important to the shelter due to it saving so many lives .”
The benefits of having a barn cat are many , but the most obvious reason to adopt a barn cat is to control the pest problem on your property . As territorial creatures , barn cats will use their natural instincts to hunt small rodents such as mice , bugs , or snakes that may be lurking near your livestock . This , added with the fact that cats are very low maintenance , means that adding this extra animal on your farm will actually save you money . By protecting the feed for your animals , the barn cat is simultaneously feeding itself .
“ Feral cats provide a service of free rodent control , and it ’ s a great natural version of pest control , so you don ’ t have to worry about other animals getting into the chemicals ,” continued Woolnough .
Apart from the fiscal benefits of owning barn cats , there are also benefits for both yourself and your other animals . Cats have been known to become companions with livestock over time as well as generally creating a more positive atmosphere in the barn . However , the ultimate reason
to adopt a barn cat is the opportunity for you to give an orphaned animal a chance at a new and better life .
How exactly do you get one of these skilled and hardworking barn cats ? The Shelter ’ s barn cat program begins with a single phone call . After the shelter has gathered your information and reserved the amount of cats you want / need for your property size you will be contacted with instructions regarding the adjustment period your barn cats will face before release .
Barn cats can only be reserved in pairs ( 2 , 4 , 6 , etc .) and will be spayed or neutered before their arrival on your property . While you do not get to choose the color or sex of your cats , each will be vaccinated as well as have its ear docked for identification purposes . The cats can be picked up at the shelter or delivered to your property . Once the cats arrive they will have a two-week adjustment period residing in large dog crates so that they can become accustomed to their new home . These crates should be set up where you plan to feed the cats once released . This adjustment period makes sure that even if a cat strays it will always come back to where that crate resided because it considers it a safe place where a continuous food source is provided .
If you would like to reserve your barn cats today you can contact the shelter by phone at 817-598-4111 . You can also find a detailed process of this program on the WPCAS ’ s website , http :// www . ci . weatherford . tx . us / 1488 / Barn-Cat-Program .
Weatherford Parker County Animal Shelter
What is the
Giving Second Chances Campaign ?
It enables us to help more of our little mates .
$ 1.65 Million goal to improve The WPCAS facility and their life saving efforts . ( All donations are tax deductable )
animals @ weatherfordtx . gov http :// www . facebook . com / WPCAnimal
Donate online at : weatherfordtx . gov / animals
403 Hickory Lane | Weatherford , TX | 76086 | 817-598-4111
JUNE 2017 PARKER COUNTY TODAY
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