Yard Cats

[pukkapony]

I've been asked if I would offer a home to a semi-feral cat in my feed store, requires food & water in return for hunting duties. He originally lived on a boat, then was re-homed to a house and has not settled. He dosen't get on with being in the house at-all and prefers to sleep in the shed. He's very nervous of humans and definately likes his own company solely.

I know there are charitys out there that rehabilitate feral cats to stables and farms - does anyone have one and what are your thoughts/ experiences?

[AM76]

Yard cats are the perfect way of keeping mice and rats under control. You will be going to the yard everyday for the horses anyway so one extra to feed will be no trouble and the benefits to your horses health by having no mice or rat poo will be huge.

[Snipper]

I agree, I love having cats around the yard. They do a great job and are generally no trouble.

[Absolute_shambles]

Personally I think too many yard cats get in the way and make the place look untidy. If you get the wrong character they will end up sleeping in your house anyway and be bringing in the mice from the feed store to your house, half licked and hungry for cheese!

[Kaliska]

I think yard cats are normally very useful at keeping down the rodent populations, although there is the downside of cat poo and having to pay for vets fees etc as and when needed.

[CookieComeTrue]

I have four dogs and a cat and I'm happy for them to go out in the yard. However I always have to make sure the tack room's closed as once my cat scratched my saddle and left my mum with a hefty bill. Since then my tack has been covered 24/7!!