Adopt

Not Every Cat is Meant for a Lap. Adopt a Working Cat!

Working Cats are ready to roll up their sleeves

Have an enclosed backyard, shed, barn, horse stable, ranch or farm? Do you like cats (especially for their rodent control abilities) but are allergic? Marin Humane and Marin Friends of Ferals (MFF) are committed to giving outdoor cats a second chance and our Working Cat program does just that.

If you’re ready to adopt a Working Cat, fill out the Working Cat Questionnaire here.

What Are Working Cats?

Working Cats are outdoor, under-socialized cats who aren’t able to be adopted as typical pets. They’re generally shy, stray, semi-feral cats that prefer little to no human contact, making them unsuitable as indoor pets. If surrendered to a shelter, these cats would not likely be adoption candidates.

Working Cats provide an eco-friendly solution to rodent control by becoming working cats on your property, and by adopting a Working Cat you’ll be saving the lives of cats who may not have other options. As an added bonus, there’s no adoption fee! Donations are welcome.

While caring for Working Cats is easy, you’ll be responsible for them for their lifetime. They must be given daily food and water and be provided with adequate protection against the elements and predators.

All Working Cats will be:
  • Spayed or neutered
  • Tested for FELV (feline leukemia) and FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus)
  • Vaccinated for rabies
  • Vaccinated for distemper (FVRCP)
  • Microchipped and ear-tipped
Common Questions About Working Cats:

We’ve found that single cat relocations are not as successful as relocating Working Cats in pairs. Having a buddy seems to increase the likelihood they’ll remain on your property. So depending on the size of your property we recommend cats be adopted in pairs or more.


It takes about three weeks for the cats to acclimate to the sights, sounds and smells of their new outdoor home. Marin Friends of Ferals sets up the relocation cages and supplies you with everything needed for the holding period, guiding you through the process before, during and after release.

It takes about three weeks for the cats to acclimate to the sights, sounds and smells of their new outdoor home. Marin Friends of Ferals sets up the relocation cages and supplies you with everything needed for the holding period, guiding you through the process before, during and after release.

You are taking responsibility for the well-being of the cats but should you need assistance transporting your injured feline to your veterinarian for medical treatment, MFF will trap the cat and assist you in the delivery and return of your cat.

  1. Simply fill out our Working Cats Questionnaire so we have your relevant information.
  2. If your property is suitable, with adequate areas for them to hide in, on, or under, MFF will deliver the cats to you, set up the cages, and provide you with food and all supplies for the holding period.

We’re available to address any questions or concerns you may have at any time.

We’re always in need of outdoor homes for these types of felines. Please tell your family, friends, and neighbors about our unique program, which is funded in part through The Joe Willie Project.

Save lives and give special cats a job – adopt Working Cats today!

For more information on adopting a Working Cat, please call Janet at 415-246-9162 or email CatBehavior@marinhumane.org.

No Adoption Fee! Donations welcome. This program is funded in part by The Joe Willie Project.

We need Working Cat volunteers!

Even if you can’t adopt a Working Cat, we can still use your help! We currently need volunteers who can help with relocating Working Cats and transporting cats for spay/neuter procedures.

Click here for a complete description of our current volunteer needs