Choosing barn cats

[Cinnamontoast]

So has the OH noticed one very friendly tabby and another not so friendly with a different face yet?! I love that you’ve ended up with three!

 

[KillarneyISH]

So after a particularly bold 4 legged beastie was spotted up on our window ledge while the terrier was away barking at leaves, we decided we need a barn cat. And of course by ‘a’ barn cat, I mean two! A friend works at a rescue and they had a mother and 3 older kittens in (all boys, all been neutered) so we’ve agreed to take a couple, and are collecting them tomorrow. Problem being, I can’t decide which to take home! Do I take mum on the assumption that a grown semi-feral cat will be a) a better mouser b) harder to rehome, or take two kittens in the hope that they’d become tame-ish barn cats?
Other than the usual keep them locked in for a while/ keep them well fed advice, does anyone have any tips on raising good barn cats? I’ve only had domestic cats before, but I can’t see the dogs living peacefully in close quarters with a cat!

 

[KillarneyISH]

I have been the barn cat mom and cat vet care provider at every stable where I've boarded. You will have much more luck keeping the cats at your stable if you adopt at least 2, and keep them together in a large cage, small room, or horse trailer for at least couple of weeks to get them used to their new home before you let them loose. Getting them socialized is important so that you have a better shot at monitoring their health and treating them if they need medical care.