Barn Cat Problem. Please help!

[doktour]

We obtained a rescue cat (fixed male, all shots etc) to place in our barn to help control the rodent population. The cat, who is under 1 year old, was confined to the tack room (food, water and litter) for 3 weeks and then gradually introduced to the rest of the barn and the horses. He returned to the tack room each night food and sleep.

For the first few weeks after it was released everything was fine. The rats began to vacate and the cat seemed comfortable living in his barn and tack room.

However, now the cat has began to explore the property further, and, although the barn and horse pastures are fenced separately, the cat easily scales the fence posts and thus can wander wherever he wants. This has become a problem because now the cat leaves the barn and comes to the main house and sits outside the front door all night meowing. This causes our dogs to bark all night long.

I have tried taking the cat back to the barn but he soon finds his way back to the house. If I confine him to the tack room (close the door) it defeats the purpose of having him as the rats will realize there is no longer a treat and return.

Obviously we cannot go without sleep every night so this has to be resolved. I want to keep the cat as he has helped a great deal with the rats, but if I cannot find a way to keep him away from the house at night, he will have to go.

Can anyone suggest some way to keep the cat from coming near the house at night?

Thank you

[Kay]

he's lonely - cats aren't designed to live solitary lives, nor are they pure working animals - in fact here in the UK they are classified as companion animals

so get him a cat companion if you don't want to provide company for him yourselves

[Crewella]

I agree with Kay - I suspect a 'partner in crime' would really help.

[Cat-FAQ]

If things are not working out with your rescue cat then it would be advisable to get back in touch with the rescue and explain the situation to them.

Hope that helps.