CARE FOR BARN CATS
The Bend Spay & Neuter Project is dedicated to ending pet homelessness through spay & neuter while also providing the very best care for stray and homeless pets.  We developed our barn cat program because there are few options for feral and out-door type cats available elsewhere in our community.   You have chosen to provide a lifetime of care for animals that have few other options and we thank you!  These cats have been altered and vaccinated and are ready for a new start!
Feral cats can be dangerous so remember to avoid handling them or call us for assistance if you must transport them for some reason.

What we require for our Barn Cat Adoptions:

1)     An enclosed place to house the cats for 1-2 weeks while they become acclimated to their new environment.  Placing food, water, litter and a bed in this area will help them learn where their home base is.  If they are wild cats, place the bed inside a box or other enclosed area so that they can hide and feel safe.  Giving the cats occasional treats of wet food will really keep them around, especially at first while they are disoriented from the move.  When it is time to release the cats, quietly open the door and leave.  Let them explore the rest of their territory on their own terms and come back to the food when they are ready.  If you want to move the feeding station, move it just a few feet per day until it is it the desired location.  This will keep them from looking elsewhere for food and leaving the area.

2)     All cats must have access to a safe, dry bed, dry food, and thawed water at all times.   These cats are very smart and capable, but still depend on you for basic care.  Studies have been done to show that cats that are fed regularly are better mousers because they have better overall healthy and more energy. 

3)     If you have adopted feral barn cats, you will probably not be able to touch them during their lifetime.  If you find one has been injured or is in need of medical attention, please borrow one of our cat traps and bring the cat into our clinic.

4)     Tame cats will need to stay current on vaccines, at least a booster one year from adoption and every year after that. You can buy these at the feed stores and give them yourself, or your regular vet can give them.  We offer vaccines as well.

THANK YOU FOR HELPING US IN OUR MISSION TO SERVE THESE WONDERFUL ANIMALS!