Thinking About Getting a Barn Cat

[Gazrok]

She darted off to some shrubs I have in the back yard... and probably went under the fence. I can’t find her anywhere.

What robin said.

She's exploring. If you put out food and water, she'll likely be back. May even take days.

Or not.

Kind of the deal with putting cats out. Out of all we put out, we had one completely run away. We had some that were gone for days first though too, and now are always within sight of the barn.

 

[Gazrok]

When you put the food out, do the "kitty, kitty" call too. Every time. Eventually, if still nearby, will start to associate the call with food being provided.

Personally, I like only putting out dry food for outdoor cats. Canned catfood stinks to high heaven when it goes bad.

 

[DrPrepper1]

When you put the food out, do the "kitty, kitty" call too. Every time. Eventually, if still nearby, will start to associate the call with food being provided.

Personally, I like only putting out dry food for outdoor cats. Canned catfood stinks to high heaven when it goes bad.

I agree with can food stinking. I can put out some dry. I just hope the rats don’t eat it. I found 2 living under the dog house. They ran off, but I know they will be back. They ignored the trap I set for them.

 

[Gazrok]

Why it's good to have more than one cat. They don't take kindly to critters eating their food, hehe..... I've seen mine even hiss up at a raccoon (and scare it off) from it....

 

[user 7704]

I always got my cats in pairs and tried to give away kittens in pairs.

They are much calmer and less destructive with a sibling. They do not do well with strangers though

 

[Silent Earth]

I had a Rat Terrier ( very close to a Jack Russel) for 16 years. That was my boy. He took home security very seriously.

If you make terriers live in the barn they get territorial and will go after every rat, mouse, possum, raccoon they can, and if you keep em slightly hungry they will hunt rats for food. Ours was train to bring the dead rats to the back door which earned them a treat. Cats will very often just sit and watch vermin if they are well fed.