Just like people, cats have many different personalities. In cases where a cat has lived outside for most of their life, with the freedom to come and go as they please, a house may feel too confined. These cats may not be used to interacting with people and may prefer solitude.
If a home environment stresses a cat, they can become scared, shut down, destructive, or worse. Stress can even lead to larger issues like medical concerns such as house soiling, not eating well, and more. Lollypop Farm wants to ensure that every pet lives a life they love and is as healthy and happy as possible.
All cats deserve a second chance. The Working Cat program was created to help cats find the right home environment. “Working cats,” as they are called, can be helpful for families with barns, workshops, warehouses, or other predominantly outdoor spaces, to keep small animals like mice and rats away. In some cases, a cat may not be a hunter, but instead so stressed in a home that outdoor living is better for them.
Nala was a working cat who came to Lollypop Farm from another property where she lived outdoors. Nala was not used to human interaction and would not let anyone come near her, hissing and swatting at anyone who tried. She was put into the working cat adoption program to find an outdoor space where she could be comfortable. She was adopted and found a place to call her own!
Working cats need a base camp to start, a place where food and water are available to them, with a shelter for them in case of bad weather. For New York winters, providing an insulated shelter is essential. Electric water dishes can keep water from freezing. Food and water should be checked at least a couple of times daily.
Nearly a year later, Nala’s owner Chris wrote staff a lovely note about Nala and how she has been doing:
“While we have adopted multiple working cats, Nala is a really special one probably because she was the hardest to win over and get to trust me!
When she came to us more than a year ago she was a scruffy, skinny furball who would hiss at anyone who even looked at her. She was 100% feral and untrusting of any human interaction.
After a year, she has finally started to purr and rub on my legs when bringing food out and will sometimes tolerate back scratches. But still will not let a human hand come near her head.
She patiently waits at our back door every morning for food. It has been such a rewarding experience to see her transform from a rough, hissing meanie into one of the sweetest cats we have ever cared for. Her entire appearance and attitude have changed, and we are so happy to have given her a second chance to thrive.
P.S. She is also the hardest-working and most effective hunter we have ever had as well. Bonus: no more mice or chipmunks hanging around the house or in the garage!”
Picture below: “Both Lollypop working cats that came from separate colonies but have now become best friends.”
We are so happy that Nala has found a place where she can be comfortable, loved, and live the life she loves!
