Barnyard kittens are a pleasure. Introducing Gray Boy and Miss Kitty.
In George Orwell’s book Animal Farm, the only cat on Manor Farm was lazy and indifferent. In another instance about cats and kittens, a blogger, “Livvy’s mom”wrote that when her daughter’s preschool visited a farm, the animals getting the most attention were not the “goats, sheep, pigs or cows — it was the kittens.” Also, when I taught 4th grade one year, I took 6 cats to my classroom. They spent the entire day so that I could read the story “No One Should Have 6 Cats”. Now that was an experience and a story for another time.
There are many who have an opinion about barn yard cats. Some believe that cats are employees of the farm and must earn their keep by dealing with the rat and mice population. Others feel that cats have short lives on a farm due to possibly being stepped on by other larger animals. Those of that mind feel it’s cruel to have them on a farm. Then there are those who recognize that on some farms, the cat is a pet just like any other animal at someone’s house. They get it that the farm is just where they live. That is my case. My cats are pets. While they do roam the land and spend their days outside, they very often spend their nights inside; all 4 of them.
The original purpose for getting kittens (They’re all grown cats now) was to rescue these animals from abandonment. It was also to help keep down the rat population where the chickens were concerned. With a variety of chickens and feeders that hang outside all day with food that rats would relish, I thought cats would be a way to keep the varmint population down. And in truth, they more than likely do.
My original intent was to actually keep the kittens in the barn. The hope would be that they would live out there, eat out there and that would put them closer to the chicken runs. But before I knew it, they were on the patio and then in the laundry room. Now they come and go as a member of the family.
In our families case, we have long sense gotten rid of our horses and cows and have only roosters, chickens, domesticated birds, dogs and cats. Yes, we have an occasional snake, frog and turtle in the pond and sometimes see a rat out by the chicken runs.
Most importantly regarding my animals is that their shots are kept up-to-date and they are cared for very well. All of the cats and dogs wear collars and the metal tags from the city are purchased to confirm they have had veterinary attention regarding rabies shots and other important medical expectations for safety.
I highly recommend every chicken farmer have cats on the land. They do assist in keeping down the rat population. When you’re out there feeding, they come to say hello and often make your day with their swagger. They are beautiful to watch, warm for snuggling, soft to the touch, of a sweet sound and unlike your chickens, they nuzzle and let you nuzzle them. If you don’t have a cat or even four which I recommend, go immediately to your local humane society and adopt. You may get an Orwellian cat, lazy and indifferent but you may also get one or more, that helps you reduce your rat population. I highly recommend having at least 4.
