How to Care for a Farm Cat

Cats make excellent additions to any farm. Not only do they keep the rodent population down significantly, they also provide amusement for horses. Keeping horses engaged is essential to avoid "cribbing," or the phenomenon whereby a horse starts to chew on his stall. Though barn cats are generally outdoor cats and do not require the same attention that indoor cats generally receive, they still require necessities such as clean water and comfortable bedding to keep them happy and healthy.

Instructions

1

Designate an area for your farm cat's food and water. A fairly secluded, low-traffic area of the barn is ideal. Since the cat will have access to the mice and other small rodents of the barn and surrounding areas, feeding the cat three times a day is probably not necessary. Feed the cat in the morning and check food levels again in the evening to see if more food is required. Though indoor cats require a combination of wet and dry food, as they do not have access to raw meat, dry food will generally suffice for a barn cat. Change the cat's water daily and clean the water dish twice weekly. Since a farm cat is an outdoor cat, providing a litter box is not necessary unless the cat also stays in the home occasionally.

2

Provide a comfortable bed in the barn for the cat to sleep in. Use old towels and comforters to make a bed, or purchase a cat bed from a pet supply store. A heated bed is a good option if the cat remains outdoors through the winter.

3

Perform a simple examination once a week to check the cat for possible injuries and other health problems. If the cat remains outdoors at all times, she is subject to encounters with foreign species, the elements, injuries and poisoning from chemical-dripping farm equipment or automobiles. Examine the cat's paws for cuts or foreign objects stuck in or in between the pads, and use your hands to feel the cat's sides and stomach for lumps, abscesses, ticks and embedded thorns or burrs. Check the cat's ears, which should be clean. Dirty or excessively waxy ears are signs of ear mites. Part the cat's fur around her tail base to look for signs of fleas. These can include the actual fleas as well as "flea dirt," or flea excrement that looks like dirt.

4

Contact your veterinarian if you encounter anything during your examination that you believe requires attention. Take the cat to the vet, if necessary, for medical care.

5

Remember to pet and play with the cat daily if possible. Human contact will keep her from becoming feral.

Cats make excellent additions to any farm. Not only do they keep the rodent population down significantly, they also provide amusement for horses. Keeping horses engaged is essential to avoid "cribbing," or the phenomenon whereby a horse starts to chew on his stall. Though barn cats are generally outdoor cats and do not require the same attention that indoor cats generally receive, they still require necessities such as clean water and comfortable bedding to keep them happy and healthy.

Instructions

1

Designate an area for your farm cat's food and water. A fairly secluded, low-traffic area of the barn is ideal. Since the cat will have access to the mice and other small rodents of the barn and surrounding areas, feeding the cat three times a day is probably not necessary. Feed the cat in the morning and check food levels again in the evening to see if more food is required. Though indoor cats require a combination of wet and dry food, as they do not have access to raw meat, dry food will generally suffice for a barn cat. Change the cat's water daily and clean the water dish twice weekly. Since a farm cat is an outdoor cat, providing a litter box is not necessary unless the cat also stays in the home occasionally.

2

Provide a comfortable bed in the barn for the cat to sleep in. Use old towels and comforters to make a bed, or purchase a cat bed from a pet supply store. A heated bed is a good option if the cat remains outdoors through the winter.

3

Perform a simple examination once a week to check the cat for possible injuries and other health problems. If the cat remains outdoors at all times, she is subject to encounters with foreign species, the elements, injuries and poisoning from chemical-dripping farm equipment or automobiles. Examine the cat's paws for cuts or foreign objects stuck in or in between the pads, and use your hands to feel the cat's sides and stomach for lumps, abscesses, ticks and embedded thorns or burrs. Check the cat's ears, which should be clean. Dirty or excessively waxy ears are signs of ear mites. Part the cat's fur around her tail base to look for signs of fleas. These can include the actual fleas as well as "flea dirt," or flea excrement that looks like dirt.

4

Contact your veterinarian if you encounter anything during your examination that you believe requires attention. Take the cat to the vet, if necessary, for medical care.

5

Remember to pet and play with the cat daily if possible. Human contact will keep her from becoming feral.