Frequently asked questions
What are barn cats good for?
Barn cats keep mice and rats away from feed, hay and equipment. The farm gets natural rodent control, and the cats get a place where they belong.
Which cats make good barn cats?
Barn life suits feral or very shy cats, independent strays, and cats who won't reliably use a litter box. Friendly cats who'd be happy as house pets usually do better in a regular home. Young, friendly kittens usually do best in a regular home. Kittens raised feral can do well in a barn, ideally in pairs.
What does a barn cat need?
A dry, protected barn or outbuilding for shelter, food and fresh water every day from a caretaker who checks on them, and access to a vet for ongoing care. We place cats on farms and rural properties in Chester County, PA, and the neighboring counties: Lancaster, Berks, Montgomery and Delaware in Pennsylvania, New Castle in Delaware, and Cecil in Maryland. We look for spots away from busy roads.
Why is there a settling-in period?
When a cat arrives at its new barn, it spends about 4 weeks confined in a safe space with food, water and a litter box. That time lets it learn that the barn is home, so it stays once it's let out. Our settling-in guide explains each step.
Is a barn the right answer for my cat?
If an outdoor cat is healthy, fixed and safe where it lives, leaving it there is often best. Barn placement is for cats that can't stay where they are.
Where do cats stay before placement?
We don't have a shelter or holding facility. The finder keeps the cat until placement day, and the cat goes straight to its new farm.
Should I take more than one?
Cats often settle in better with a buddy, so we may suggest two if you don't already have barn cats.
Can I talk to someone who's adopted a cat from you?
Yes. When we start the application process, we'll always give you the chance to call our references. Our references are past adopters who've agreed to talk with people.
Do you ship cats?
No. We never ship cats. Every placement is in person, and you can meet the cat first.
Which cats do you accept, and is there a fee?
We accept cats that are already vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and ear-tipped. There's no fee, ever, for finders or adopters. We never collect money, and we don't take payments or donations through this website. If a cat hasn't been fixed yet, one of the low-cost spay/neuter programs we list can help.
How do I get a cat fixed and ear-tipped?
Book a spot with a low-cost spay/neuter program, ask for rabies and FVRCP vaccines, a spay or neuter, and an ear tip, then keep the paperwork and send us your request. See the steps and the programs that serve Chester County and nearby.
Are you a nonprofit?
We're a small volunteer program, not a registered 501(c)(3). We don't collect fees or donations.
Why don't you share names or locations?
Rehoming cats can be a sensitive topic, and we value our privacy, and yours. We keep things discreet, and we never share or sell your details.
What if you're full?
We have limited space, so we may not be able to take every cat right away. Send a request and we'll tell you honestly whether we can help. You can also email us at hilltopbarncats@gmail.com or call (484) 233-8041. If we can't help right now, try one of the groups under Additional resources below.
Additional resources
If we can't rehome your cat, these groups may be able to help:
What if a placement doesn't work out?
If a placement doesn't work out, the cat comes back to us and we find it another barn. We also check in with the farm after the first few weeks. Adopters sign a simple agreement to return the cat to us, rather than rehome it, if things don't work out.
What if a cat wanders off or I can't keep it?
New barn cats sometimes hide for days, so keep putting food out in the same spot for a few weeks even if you don't see them. If you ever move or can't keep a cat, please contact us before rehoming it, and we'll help find it a new barn.
Found a cat, or lost one?
Found a cat? First make sure it isn't someone's lost pet. Any shelter can scan it for a microchip. Post it on Pet FBI, ask your neighbors, check with local shelters, and give it a few days. If an outdoor cat is healthy, fixed and safe where it lives, leaving it there is often best. Barn placement is for cats that can't stay where they are. If no one claims it and it seems suited to barn life, it will need to be vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and ear-tipped (see how to get a cat fixed and ear-tipped). Then send us a request and we'll tell you whether we can help. Lost a cat? Post it on Pet FBI and check with neighbors and local shelters too.
Can you help in an emergency?
We're a small, volunteer effort and can't respond to emergencies. If a cat is hurt or sick, please call your vet or the nearest emergency vet right away. We usually reply to email within a few days.
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