Comments on: Raising Barn Kittens… 5 things you need to know

By: Rei

Rei — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 20:17:23 +0000

Such an interesting article, Thank you! We are first time stray cat kittens raiser and every day I realize, how I have no idea what I'm doing. Therefore, a few words of wisdom from you guys would be wonderful. It would be much easier to raise a work from home cat with her kittens than a stray. Short story : Almost six weeks ago, she came pregnant onto our property that we just moved onto a week prior and had her five kittens. They are five and a half weeks old now and after she moved them a few times, we set up a cellar, put wood and straw to the bottom and build an insulated little box. Everything was great. But now... They learned how to climb over the little wall we build, so we can't have the door open anymore for momma to come in. We then left one of the windows open and put an old recliner underneath, so she can climb up and down. We absolutely don't want pets inside the house, and also don't want to take mommas freedom away that she enjoys. She's a great mom and also loves cuddles, so thankfully not feral at all. But I don't know now that they are more mobile. Should we keep her inside anyway and start letting her out only occasionally? Do stray kittens usually follow their mom around at that young age? I am afraid, they hurt themselves somewhere being that young and naive. Also, we started feeding them wet food and the toilet training is really... Something... (are there kitten diapers somewhere to buy? Lol)... puts a lot of stress onto me. I am the main caretaker, but I never wanted to have pets, especially not cats. Was always the dog person with a cat personality. But I guess, God wanted me to be the crazy cat lady, after all! Of course, momma is doing her business outside so she doesn't really help with toilet training here. What's the best strategy here? Is sand okay for litter? Is the cellar too cold for them? One of the kittens refuses to try wet food and only wants milk. But momma doesn't nurse them as often anymore (four of them eat like champions). That little one is the weakest, but loves to cuddle the most, so I am concerned about her. All in all, it is such an extreme experience, but also nice to see them grow up and be part of it. I am thankful, my kids can have such an experience and witness, how much effort it takes to take care of a pet. Once the kittens are old enough, the are all going to be sterilized for sure, and mama too in a few weeks once they are mainly weaned off!!! And then I pray to God, they don't tell the other pregnant cat ladies in the village about us.

By: 12 Farm Animals Kids Love—and 6 That Might Be Too Much to Handle - Exploring Animals

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By: Craig

Craig — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 16:29:11 +0000

In reply to Michelle. Thanks so much, Michelle. We have the flexibility to be around daily for weeks this summer, so we can make that happen. On a different note, are there any tricks out there for having dry food out in a way that minimizes attracting the very rodents we’re trying to decimate? Any tips welcome! C.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 18:43:18 +0000

In reply to Craig. I wouldn't recommend it. Once they're mature (and know that this is their home), barn cats are very independent and would be fine, but for new barn kitties i always recommend a week or two, minimum, that they are contained in the barn in some way so they can't get out and given tons of love, attention, good food, and milk before they're left alone at all.

By: Craig

Craig — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 16:56:04 +0000

Can barn cats as young as 10 weeks be left alone for a couple of days? We’re about to adopt two 10 week old barn kittens but here’s my concern: while we’re making all the food and shelter preparations, we aren’t at the property full time. While we wouldn’t leave them for more than two days without ourselves or a neighbor looking on them, I want to be absolutely sure this would fall within a reasonable approach. If more attention is needed – or a different home than ours- we’d immediately adjust plans. Advice would be greatly appreciated!

By: Michelle

Michelle — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 01:51:51 +0000

In reply to Vivian.

Hi Vivian, nice to meet you. I have shared all of that over on instagram and in a few places here, on the blog… essentially we always increase their available food in the winter, as hunting becomes more scarce for them. But we do have various critters in the walls of our old farmhouse in the winter, so the cats do still stay “on duty,” it’s just more in the barn and attic and less outside. If your barn cats are friendly and often “around” you’ll know if they stop hunting and maybe need a little less kibble available. (We see our cats in the act of hunting and sitting back enjoying their snacks often.) As far as the best kibble I’ve been able to find at a reasonable price, in my research… that is linked to here: https://soulyrested.com/cat/ Hope all of that helps!

By: Vivian

Vivian — Sun, 20 Nov 2022 11:53:46 +0000

I just came over here from Lumnah Acres, they got two barn cats from you. I thought he said you blogged about what to feed your barn cats. I haven’t found that yet
We have 5 beautiful barn cats for our farm, but I always struggle to know am I feeding them too much or not enough. We r in MN so of course our winters r very cold, so I always supplement morning and night with cat food
Do u have info on what to feed them, how much, and how can u tell if u r feeding ur barn cats too much that they stop their desire to hunt?
Thanks!

By: Michelle

Michelle — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 05:45:48 +0000

In reply to Christine.

I don’t have experience with feral cats, but I know, depending on their stories, it can be very difficult to ever socialize a feral cat. I know White House on the Hill had a feral kitty that they created a youtube video about… maybe their experience would help you decide… but i wouldn’t worry about the weather, as long as they’re out of the elements and not in direct cold winds… kitties can stay quite warm and their fur gets quite thick in cold seasons.

By: Christine

Christine — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 15:30:53 +0000

In reply to Teresa.

My local humane society has feral cats they adopt as “working cats”. Do you have any experience on this? I’ve thought about adopting 2 adult cats for barn cats. It’s getting cold here and worried they might get too cold in our run-in barn area during the 2 weeks they say to confine them to a kennel.
Thoughts? Thanks

By: Michelle

Michelle — Sat, 14 May 2022 12:11:34 +0000

In reply to Teresa.

how sweet… kitties are SO fun, but if it’s possible I would recommend they stay with momma a few more weeks… she’s the absolute best teacher. in the 10-12 week old window they become independent hunters, well, sorta, with momma’s help. Other than that I just recommend containing them in the area you want them to sleep and give them lots of wonderful milk and good food so they know where “home” is. Slowly give less food and milk as they get older and more acclimated to their new home and hunting on their own.