We ask you some questions and match you up with some great cats! You will be amazed at how good we are :-) Our applications are here on the "Forms" page.
FAQ
The Answers You Need
WHAT DO I NEED IN ORDER TO CARE FOR AN OUTDOOR CAT?
As with any animal, cats require food, water and shelter. For the most part, cats are very independent. You just need to provide access to these things. You should offer your cats a commercial dry cat food every day in addition to a clean, unfrozen source of water. Shelter can be a barn, garage, shed, shop or other out building.
Offering canned wet food is an excellent way to establish a routine and bond with your cats!
Many of the cats we adopt out are friendly, so they thrive on spending a little time with you.
ABOUT THE CATS!
BarnCatBuddies specializes in helping place cats that are either too fiesty or timid to 'show well' at the county shelter. (Sometimes that is to indoor or indoor/outdoor homes)
All cats are spay/neutered, up-to-date with vaccines, treated for parasites and given preventative, and even microchipped.
~We ask for a $60 donation per "BarnCat' to help offset vetting, however since many folks adopt multiple cats, finding them good homes is paramount. (For Indoor cats our adoption fees are higher due to the cost/time in foster care to be sure they will be a good match)
~We also adopt out kittens, trying for Indoor homes unless they are adopted with their mom to teach them the 'way of the world'.
WHAT IS THE BARN CAT BUDDIES ADOPTION PROCESS LIKE?
First thing first, fill out our application! We will be in touch as soon as possible to let you know what cats will be the best matches for your situation. Please let us know if you have any preferences as to personality, color age or sex and we will do our best to accommodate. Need dog-friendly? Child savvy? Expert mouser? We got you covered! We do not have a shelter facility of our own so there is no way for you to visit and "pick out a cat" but we do have a set of very dedicated fosters and volunteers who know our cats well and will make some great customized suggestions. You will be surprised at what good matchmakers we are!!
Once your cats are selected, we can schedule an appointment for our volunteers to bring the cats and the set up equipment directly to you.
We will help get your cats all settled into their temporary set-up cage and teach you how to care for them during the acclamation period.
Approximately 2 weeks later, you will release the cats into their new environment and begin to slowly breakdown & clean out the set-up cages.
After that, a volunteer will schedule a time pick up our equipment so we can deliver someone else the next lucky feline!
HOW DO I SAFELY ACCLIMATE MY CATS TO THEIR NEW HOME?
We will lend you set-up cages ( large dog crates, complete with a hiding box/bed, litter pan and water/food bowls) when we deliver your cats. The crate will be placed inside the barn or building you want the cats to reside in. They need to stay inside the crate for a minimum of 2 weeks (longer for more unsocialized cats). DO NOT let them out before 2 weeks are over. They need that time to accept you as their new people and their new location as home. At the end of 2 weeks or so, choose a day that the weather will be calm. (After all your care, you wouldn’t want a thunder storm to spook them) Let one of the cats out and then wait a day or two before the next…. Often the cats will sleep in or on the crate for a while. Don’t panic if you don’t see them for a few days after you let them out…. They are still there, just hiding and scoping out their new home.
After your cats are adjusted, you can begin to breakdown and clean the set up cages.
ACTIVITIES
Bringing Change
FOOD DONATION DROP-OFF
With our organization’s mission always in mind, we strive to find new strategies for dealing with this challenge. Food Donation Drop-Off is something that we take very seriously, and our team is working each and every day to make a positive impact. Contact us to learn more about our commitment to this cause.
HEALTH CLINIC
At Barn Cat Buddies - Frederick County, MD & Nearby, we are dedicated to stepping up our efforts in addressing this issue. Health Clinic is by no means an easy feat, but through cooperation and community empowerment we believe we can facilitate progress in this area. We are always striving to make a difference, and invite you to learn more and lend your support.
HOMELESS OUTREACH
With this initiative, our goal is to promote great opportunities for those in need. With access to the right resources, people can become empowered by their own abilities and gain the confidence to fulfill their potential. Learn more about our work by getting in touch with our team today.