Working Cats Program Of Harrison County, Ohio
Community Cats. Community Impact.
The
Harrison County Humane Society
of Ohio
Working Cats Program
The Working Cat Program is designed to:
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Save healthy unsocialized cats that are unsuitable for traditional adoption.
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Support local farms, businesses, and rural property owners.
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Provide natural rodent control.
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Expand outcomes for cats participating in TNR efforts.
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Reduce shelter and foster overcrowding.
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Increase community engagement and support for humane cat management.
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Create sponsorship and fundraising opportunities to support TNR activities.
Connection to TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return)
The Working Cat Program is a direct extension of the Humane Society's Trap-Neuter-Return efforts.
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Traditional Outcomes
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Friendly Cat
→ Adoption Program
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Community Cat
→ Return to Existing Colony
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New Outcome
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Community Cat Unable to Return Safely
→ Working Cat Placement
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Examples may include:
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Property redevelopment
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Unsafe colony conditions
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Caregiver death
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Colony elimination
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Relocation due to construction
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Farms requesting working cats
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This creates an additional humane option for cats that otherwise have few alternatives.
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Eligible Cats
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Potential candidates include:
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Ear-tipped community cats
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TNR cats unable to return safely
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Semi-feral cats
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Cats unsuitable for indoor adoption
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Cats demonstrating strong outdoor survival skills
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Cats generally not suitable include:
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Socialized companion cats
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Young kittens
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Cats requiring extensive ongoing medical treatment
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Cats that clearly prefer indoor environments
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All placements will be evaluated individually.
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Placement Process
Step 1: Application
Interested property owners complete a Working Cat Application.
Applicants must demonstrate:
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Appropriate property
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Commitment to daily care
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Willingness to provide food and water
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Understanding of program requirements
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Step 2: Site Visit
Two program volunteers conduct an on-site evaluation.
The purpose of the visit is to verify:
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Adequate shelter
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Safe environment
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Feeding location
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Water availability
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Protection from severe weather
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Suitability for acclimation
This process protects both the cat and the organization.
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Step 3: Shelter Installation
Permanent Shelter
Each placement receives an insulated outdoor shelter constructed by volunteers.
Features may include: Insulated walls, Elevated floor, Weather-resistant construction, Wind protection, Straw bedding, Small entrance for heat retention
This shelter remains permanently with the cat.
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Step 4: Temporary Acclimation Structure
A larger acclimation enclosure will be installed for approximately four to six weeks.
Purpose:
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Allow the cat to learn its new surroundings
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Establish feeding routines
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Prevent immediate dispersal
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Improve placement success
Proposed Structure
Volunteer-built enclosure approximately:
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6 feet long X 3 feet wide X 6 feet high
Features:
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2x4 wood framing, Wire enclosure walls, Sloped metal roof, Front access door, Side service door for litter box cleaning, Elevated shelves and perches, Space for food, water, and litter, Permanent structure will be placed inside
After acclimation, the temporary enclosure is removed while the permanent shelter remains.
Veterinary Requirements
All Working Cats will receive:
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Spay or neuter surgery
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Rabies vaccination
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Core vaccinations
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Ear tip identification
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Basic health evaluation
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Whenever funding allows, parasite treatment may also be provided.
Adopter Responsibilities
Working Cat adopters agree to provide:
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Daily food
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Fresh water
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Safe shelter
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Monitoring for illness or injury
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Reasonable veterinary care when necessary
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Permanent placement
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The use of poison-based rodent control products is not permitted.
Cats may not be abandoned, relocated, or intentionally harmed.