Outdoor cats, or barn cats are important to some property owners’ rodent control. They are not to be considered feral. Janet Garman appropriately describes barn cats as working ones. She says barn cats deserve to be treated like other high-performing work animals and to feed them adequate nutrition, so they have the energy and stamina to perform. Remember to provide consistent water sources, too.
Source: Countryside Daily, April 3, 2018.
Veterinary care is important, says Garman. Just as livestock and house pets need regular checkups and vaccinations, so do barn cats. At the bare minimum, a rabies vaccination is probably required by your local government. This not only protects the cat but also protects you and your other pets from being exposed to the rabies virus. Feline Leukemia, Tetanus and Distemper are other vaccinations that will help your outdoor barn cat resist deadly illness.
INSIGHTS: In cities, towns, acreages and farms, barn cats fall into the category of “other” pets. Often difficult to catch and handle, they generally go unvaccinated. They routinely interact with opossums, raccoon, skunks and rodents. To make it easier to catch and handle them, some will feed the cats in an area that can be fully enclosed such as a back porch, large covered kennel run or tack room. Once the cats have developed the habit for being fed in the enclosure, they can be shut in for a veterinarian to make a house call. It might resemble a roundup, but it is important for the cats to receive basic veterinary prevention and care.