We aim to reply to all applications as soon as possible. If you have any issues submitting your application, please contact workingcats@battersea.org.uk.
What is a working cat?
Some cats are naturally more independent and don’t enjoy living in a typical home. At Battersea, we call these ‘working cats’. We find them homes where they can enjoy the freedom, and full choice and control, that they prefer. These homes include farms, stables, garden centres and rural properties with sheds or outbuildings.
Working cats are usually low-maintenance. They just need daily food and water, a warm, safe shelter, someone to check on them and plenty of space to explore. They like being free to come and go on their own terms.
Finding the right homes for our working cats
When a cat arrives at Battersea, our staff gather as much information as possible about their history and behaviours. If there’s no history of the cat wanting to interact with people, or they don’t respond to continued efforts to help them settle, it’s highly likely that they’re better suited to a working home environment.
We aim to rehome a working cat to you that matches your expectations of what you would like from your working cats. If you’re looking for a more independent working cat, we will match you with one that prefers minimal human interaction. If you’d like a working cat that enjoys some friendly contact, we will place one that has previously shown interest in people.
What do owners need to provide?
- A secure, enclosed sheltered area for the cat. Suitable areas must be dry, warm and give the cat privacy, examples include a barn, stable or large shed area. We do not use crates when settling in our working cats.
- At least half an acre of personal territory, including plenty of vegetation to provide an enriched environment.
- A twice daily supply of food and water for adult cats (more regular feeds for kittens). To encourage them to stay in the area, it is vital to keep feeding them.
How much does a working cat cost?
Our rehoming fee is £75 per outlet.
You can pay at the time of delivery by card. If we’re unable to process card payments at that time, our reception team will contact you to pay over the phone.
What does Battersea provide?
To help ease the settling period for yourself and the cat, the rehoming fee covers:
- Initial vaccinations
- Flea and worming treatment
- Neutering
- Three food bowls and a water bowl
- An initial supply of food
- A litter tray
- An initial supply of cat litter
- Blankets, towels and toys
- An insulated cat bed
A cat carrier, which will be used to transport them to their new home (and other hiding options such as cardboard boxes if needed).
Although the fee doesn't cover the cost of the treatment and care your cat will have received at Battersea, it does go a long way towards helping the animals who are still here.
If you think you can provide a home for one our working cats, please complete an application form.
Meet George
George came into our care as he was very conflicted with his interactions around people. After careful consideration, our team decided that George would struggle living in a home as a pet cat, as there would be the expectation that he would enjoy being stroked. We were able to find George the perfect working home in Surrey, where he is well-loved, and even has his own cosy cat shed.
Meet Cali
Through no fault of her own, Cali found herself in our care twice. Based on her history, our expert teams decided that placing her in a home where she would have the freedom to choose to interact with people on her own terms would be the best option. A wonderful home became available that was looking for a stable cat to keep their horses Tully and Oscar company. As soon as she arrived, Cali settled in and her new owners fell in love instantly.
What they did next
Get an inside look into the exciting lives of ex-Battersea cats who have gone on to become working cats.
