Working Cats Program
T.N.R.
Trap-Neuter-Return
Desert Cat Rescue's working cat program focuses on relocating feral and unsociable cats to suitable outdoor homes. These cats are healthy and sterilized, and they require environments such as barns, horse stables, or warehouses, as they are not suitable for indoor living. The program aims to provide these cats with safe and appropriate outdoor spaces where they can thrive. The program is specifically for cats that are unsuitable as indoor pets.
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You must be able to provide a place indoors where the cat can spend a few weeks inside to adjust and acclimate to the new surroundings. A minimum of four weeks is advised to help these cats feel at home in their new environment. six-eight weeks is preferred.
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Feral cats also need to have food and water provided and available to them daily. This will not stop them from performing their duties but will ensure their health and well-being so they can work.
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Relocation is difficult & extremely stressful for outdoor cats as they have an established home and know where to find food, water, etc. If relocated, cats may try to return to their prior location, which puts these cats in danger. Remember this before you make the decision to relocate a cat. Relocation should be a last resort only if a cat is in danger, not as a convenience. Note that once the established cats are removed, new cats are likely to move in.
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Light-colored cats do not do well as barn cats because their color does not allow them to hide from predators.
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Trapping; Volunteer Trappers
Help is needed in Graham County to facilitate the trapping of feral cats. Desert Cat Rescue will provide the traps, food, trap covers & a gas allowance to volunteer trappers. The cats will be trapped & spayed or neutered at Desert Cross Veterinary Hospital in Thatcher, AZ. Many cats will return to where they were trapped unless other arrangements have been made to place them as a Working Cat.
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Call or email to sign up to become a volunteer trapper in you r area.
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Do you need working cats?
If you have an appropriate outdoor space and need the services of working cats, please call or email us.
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Initial Confinement
Before you request a working cat, make sure you can provide the necessary confinement and care. When confining cats, it's crucial to ensure they have access to clean water, fresh food, and a small shelter, such as a small cage or box, where they can hide. We can help with a cage or kennel if requested. The litter should be kept clean by scooping it once or twice daily. To help the cats adjust to their new surroundings, it's advisable to provide them with tasty canned food during their confinement. After their release, dry food can be supplied as their main diet. Clean, fresh water should be available to them at all times.
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Ongoing Care
These cats will still need ongoing care. They require a shelter, such as a barn, stable, tack room, warehouse, etc, where they can be safe from the elements and predators. They will need daily food and water. They may need veterinary care in the future. If you can provide for your working cat's needs, we will be happy to help you.
Get in Touch
Phone: 928-965-2971 - leave a voicemail
Email: desertcatrescue@gmail.com