Cats At Large Care and Relocation Guide for Working Cats

 

Thank you for your interest in our working cats! We're excited, you're excited, and the cats, well, they're going to need some convincing. Moving can mean a bit of drama, so we've put together this guide to keep your new feline employees stress-free and ready for work.

 

About Working Cats

 

These cats are independent contractors. They prefer limited interactions with humans and will clock in and out as they please. But hey, every cat is different, and some might warm up to you over time. They often form tight-knit office cliques with other cats, so we recommend bringing in at least two cats to keep each other company.

 

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Before Bringing Them Home

 

Setup Required:

 

• A cat-proofed, enclosed space

  • Choose a quiet, secure area away from other animals, at least initially.

  •  Large dog crates work well if you don't have a small room available. It's like a cozy cubicle!

 

• A place for kitty to hide

  • No need for luxury, an old sheet over half of a dog crate, a small plastic carrier, cardboard box, or even a paper bag can provide the shyest of cats with some much-needed privacy.

 

• Food and water dishes

  • In freezing temperatures, consider investing in a heated water bowl. After all, no one likes cold coffee!

 

• Litter pan and scoop

  • Because even working cats need a clean restroom.

 

Care Required

 

• Providing daily food and water.

• Routine litter box scooping. 

• Compassionate and patient caretaking.

 

Shelter

 

Cats At Large recommends placing your new working cats away from heavy traffic and providing shelter from Wisconsin's infamous weather. Barns, stables, and other enclosed structures make excellent offices. If a permanent structure isn't available, you can DIY an outdoor cat shelter. Remember to line any shelter with straw for insulation, not hay or blankets, they’re moisture traps!

 

Food and Water

 

While these cats might provide some organic rodent control, they still need fresh food and water daily. The smellier the food, the better, in their opinion, of course. Establish a regular feeding schedule and location, so they can look forward to their meals. Feed them in the morning to avoid uninvited guests like raccoons crashing the breakfast meeting.

 

If you need to move their dining area, do it gradually, a few feet at a time. A sudden relocation might make them think the cafeteria is closed!

 

Seasonal Adjustments

 

In cold weather, wet food can turn into frozen food popsicles quickly, so dry kibble might be a better option. Increase their food supply during winter; they’ll need the extra calories to stay warm. And don’t forget a heated water bowl to keep their drinks ice-free.

 

Litter Box

 

Scoop the litter box daily. No one likes a dirty bathroom, even if they are just visiting it on their breaks.

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Caretaking

 

Most of the effort is upfront during the confinement period. Once the cats are settled in, your regular duties will include providing fresh food and water, scooping the litter box, and keeping an eye on their health, like a good HR manager.

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The Transition

 

When you arrive home, transfer the cats from their carriers into their new workspace. They might be a bit frazzled, so give them time to adjust. If there are other animals around, introduce them slowly to avoid any office drama.

 

Why is Confinement Necessary?

 

As the cats get used to their new environment, we recommend confining them for at least four weeks. This is their “onboarding period.” This helps them recognize their new space as their permanent break room and makes them less likely to wander off.

 

Promoting a Successful Placement During Confinement

 

Visit the cats daily but avoid handling them. Sit nearby and chat softly so they start recognizing your voice—think of it as daily team-building sessions. Slow blink at them (2-3 times) and then look away to show you’re not a threat. Provide smelly canned food and quietly hang out while they eat. Calling “kitty, kitty, kitty” when you approach will help them associate your voice with good things.

 

**Pro Tip:** Leave a radio tuned to talk radio at a low volume in their area. It helps them get used to human voices—like having background office chatter.

 

The Release

 

When Are the Cats Ready for Release?

 

The exact timing depends on each cat. Ensure they recognize and trust you before releasing them. Signs of trust include:

 

• Chirping, purring, social “talking.”

• Making eye contact, slow blinking.

• Approaching you.

• Eating while you’re present.

• Playing with toys you toss their way.

 

Note: Working cats will show trust more subtly than your average house cat. Don’t expect them to suddenly enjoy petting or cuddling.

 

They Trust Me. Now What?

 

Once you’ve gained their trust, leave the door to their office (crate) open a bit and let them decide when to venture out. Make sure:

 

• It’s a quiet, low-key day with no planned visitors, lawn-mowing, or other scary things.

• It’s daylight, cats need to see where they’re going.

• It’s not raining, cats use their sense of smell to navigate.

 

Keeping Them Coming Back

 

• Keep the smelly canned food available.

• Stick to their usual feeding schedule.

• Call “kitty kitty kitty” or the phrase you used during confinement.

• Maintain a warm, dry shelter for them.

 

There you have it—your ultimate guide to keeping your new feline coworkers happy and productive. Good luck with your new furry employees!