PHOENIX – The Arizona Humane Society (AHS) has developed an innovative program to find homes for cats that are not suited for indoor living, known as “working cats.” This initiative helps place these independent felines in environments where they can thrive while providing valuable services.
Every cat that enters AHS undergoes a behavioral assessment, and some are found to be less sociable and not ideal for typical pet adoption. “We really had a need for these cats that just aren’t quite friendly enough for adoption, and we wanted to find them places to go. Obviously, people aren’t always looking for a cat that doesn’t want to snuggle with you and hang out,” said Kayla Weber of AHS.
These “working cats” are adopted for a fee of $25 and are ideal for outdoor living. They are well-suited for locations such as businesses, breweries, warehouses, greenhouses, and farms. Their primary role is pest control, which they accomplish naturally without the need for chemicals or traps.
“It’s environmentally safe for their area, safe for the cats and obviously a wonderful place for the cats because they get water, food, shelter, love and care. The cats provide them with a service too,” Weber explained.
Like all cats adopted from AHS, the working cats are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, ensuring they are healthy and safe. The key difference is their lifestyle, as they are not intended to be indoor pets but working animals with specific roles.
This program not only provides a practical solution for pest control but also offers these independent cats a chance at a fulfilling life where they are needed and cared for. The AHS’s working cats program exemplifies a creative approach to animal adoption, benefiting both the cats and the communities they serve.
