Not all cats are cut out for indoor living. Some do better with room to roam—putting their hunting instincts to good use in barns, backyards, or workshops. That’s where Burbank Animal Shelter’s Barn Cat Program comes in, offering feral cats a new role and a fresh start—not as cuddly companions, but as natural pest control in places they can safely call home.
These cats aren’t social or affectionate in the way many expect. They’ve lived their lives without much, if any, human contact. They don’t seek attention, and they aren’t trying to be part of a family. What they need is space, shelter, and a role—and they’re surprisingly effective when it comes to keeping rodent populations in check.
Freepik | Through its Barn Cat Program, the Burbank Animal Shelter gives feral cats a new life as working pest-control animals.
Through this program, cats that would otherwise face euthanasia are instead placed in outdoor or semi-outdoor environments. Barns, stables, vineyards, storage yards, and even residential properties have become safe havens for them. Each cat is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and delivered directly by a volunteer from the shelter. For the first few weeks, they stay in a secure kennel to get used to their new surroundings. After that, they’re free to roam and settle into their territory.
While they may never curl up on a couch, these cats bring real value. They don't require much—just a steady supply of food, fresh water, and a place to sleep. In return, they keep rodents at bay, helping property owners manage pest issues naturally.
Shelters face overwhelming numbers, and feral cats often suffer the harshest outcomes. Unlike kittens or friendly strays, adopters rarely take in feral cats. The Barn Cat Program changes that by highlighting their value in the right environment. Instead of turning them into pets, it offers them a life filled with dignity and purpose.
Freepik | Instead of turning them into pets, the Barn Cat Program offers cats a life filled with dignity and purpose.
The demand for working cats is growing. The shelter currently has several ready for placement, and there's an urgent call for more adopters with suitable outdoor space. VBAS walks property owners through every step, so getting started doesn’t feel overwhelming.
The cats might not seek attention, but their presence is felt—fewer rodents, fewer animals put down, and a chance for these cats to live on their own terms.
If you’ve got a safe outdoor space and can offer shelter, the program provides a low-key way to make a real difference—for the cats, the property, and the larger community.