3 Big Benefits of Barn Cats

If you have a farm or homestead, opening your heart and land to animals is a pretty common thing. You probably already have your pets taken care of, and maybe you’ve even chosen and purchased your livestock. There’s a chance you’re forgetting one very important farm animal: the barn cat.

You may not even have a barn, choosing instead to make use of a few different outdoor buildings. Regardless, a cat will change the very ecosystem of your homestead. The cat you welcome home may be the most important animal you choose. Why is the barn cat so vital to the success of a homestead or farm? Let’s take a look.

Cats Kill Rodents

No one wants to face down rats and other rodents when spending time in a barn or shed. Rodents can even wreak havoc on your garden and flowers, especially if they’re left to run amok. One cat, however, could change everything. Within one day, you’ll see fewer rodents. Eventually, you’ll forget you ever even had a problem with them.

Cats Kill Pests

With the rodents out of the way, the battle still rages. You’ll still have to deal with the bugs that like to eat your plants. Fortunately, cats will chase and kill pests, too. Flies, spiders, mosquitoes, wasps—cats will take care of them all. Not only will your garden remain healthy, but also your family can enter buildings and wander the farm without worrying about dangerous insects.

Cats Delight Kids

Having trouble getting the kids out of the house to help around the farm? A visit with the cats might be the only prodding your children need. Younger children often have an affinity for animals, and cats are a popular favorite. By planning a field trip out to see the cats each day, you get your kids involved on the farm while also keeping the cats socialized. When those cats are socialized, they’ll be less likely to wander away or pose a danger to unaccompanied minors.

To raise a successful barn cat, there are a few things to remember. First, choose kittens from good stock. Sure, a cat’s nature is to track down pests, but you want to get your kittens from a proven line. Second, always choose more than one kitten. Everyone likes a friend, including barn cats. Plus, they’ll be more likely to stick around if they have a partner. Lastly, choose kittens instead of older cats. When you raise them from youth, they’ll remain loyal.

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