Adopt a Working Cat®

With just a little bit of preparation, you can create the perfect habitat for a working cat. When your working cat comes home, you will want to have a basecamp ready for them. This is a secure area like a tack room, feed room, or large dog crate (Lollypop Farm can loan you one if you need). This basecamp will have everything they need including a spot for the crate they come home in, food, water and litter. Your working cat should stay in this base camp for 3-4 weeks to acclimate to their new setting and learn this is where their food is.

Most working cats have lived outside their entire lives with limited human interaction. They will often want to hide from you at first, but you will start to see them more as they become more comfortable. Over time, working cats can warm up to you in varying degrees and some even allow petting (particularly at feeding time). Make sure to talk to the Lollypop Farm team if you would like some tips and ideas on how to play and interact with your working cat on their own terms.

Before going home, your new working cat will be:

• Spayed or neutered
• Vaccinated
• Microchipped
• Dewormed
• Treated for fleas
• Vet checked
• Ear-tipped (to indicate that they are spayed/neutered)

New York winters can get cold! Your working cat can handle it, but it’s important to prepare. While working cats will grow a thicker coat in the winter, you will want to provide them with an insulated shelter where they can take cover from the elements. This might be a barn, stable, warehouse, workshop, or if none of those are available an insulated cat box stuffed with straw can be a good option. Inside your shelter, your cat would love straw to snuggle down in as well. We recommend also providing your cat with an electric water dish that can be found at any of your local feed and supply stores, which will keep the water from freezing. If the electric water dish is not an option for you, make sure to check the water dishes twice a day when temperatures are below freezing.

Follow this link to learn how to build an easy insulated cat box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RnrLldlZP4

Order an electric water dish here: https://www.amazon.com/Farm-Innovators-QT-1-1-Quart-Heated/dp/B0053H89SA/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=heated%2Bwater%2Bbowls%2Bfor%2Bcats&qid=1649784308&sr=8-7&th=1

Most of our working cats have lived with other cats in the past and enjoy the company of other cats more than that of most people. It’s nice for them to have a buddy to cuddle up and play with. However, some cats, just like some people, prefer to be alone. The Lollypop Farm team will talk to you about the preferences of your specific cat.

Fresh food and water should be provided daily. We recommend feeding both wet and dry food.