Barn Cats

[drussell41]

I lost my Lazarus over a year ago. I rescued him at three weeks of age and he blessed me with his presence for over twenty one years.

Lazarus was supposed to be feral when I got him, but he walked into my house like he owned the place, and became alpha to all of his soon to come pack brothers, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, Caleb and a Yellow Lab, Charley. A few years later we got another Ridgeback, Nia, and she was his soul mate.

It took me a while but I think I am ready for another cat. I need a barn cat, but I prefer to get animals in pairs. I just hate the idea of anything being alone, so I always try to provide a mate.

I know absolutely nothing about working cats, so if anyone can provide some personal knowledge or advice, it will be greatly appreciated. Lazarus was an indoor cat that ruled the homestead. From what I have read, this is not the norm. Supposedly barn cats can't be barn cats and indoor cats at the same time. Since Lazarus thought he was a dog, he didn't get the memo.

Can you find a rescue group or someone in the area who has a momcat who's taught her kittens how to hunt?   Even Ally Cat Allies might have connections that would help.   I think you want someone who knows how to hunt mice, and it's the mothers who teach that.   I'm not sure one who wasn't been taught how to kill by mom will do more than maybe play with a mouse until it dies from fright/shock, as a toy.   I'd want one like the three guys we have here:   in two years, they have utterly destroyed all the mice around here.   We used to see several kills per day in the Spring and Summer.   Now....not even one.   The mouse population collapsed.   They still look for them, but no joy.  

Surely some other farmer's barncat has kittens at some point?  

I don't really like the idea of turning an indoor kitten or even adult cat out into a barn.   It would be pretty terrifying for them, and they may not have the smarts to evade predators.