Can Barn Cats Become House Cats? What You Need To Know

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It’s not uncommon for people to adopt barn cats with the intention of them becoming house pets. After all, they’re already used to being around people, so the transition should be relatively seamless, right? But, unfortunately, that’s not always the case. In many instances, it’s best to leave barn cats as barn cats. Here’s why.

 

Can barn cats become house cats?

 

A barn cat can become a house cat, but it’s not necessarily easy. The most important thing is to socialize the cat early on.

Kittens around people frequently are more likely to be comfortable around humans as adults.

If you adopt an adult barn cat, you’ll need to take things slowly, introducing the cat to your home and family members gradually.

Providing plenty of toys and climbing areas is also essential, as barn cats are often very active. But, with time, patience, and some work, you may be able to turn your barn cat into the purr-fect house pet.

 

The key differences, Barn Cats and House Cats

 

The critical difference between barn cats and house cats is that barn cats have not been socialized to humans from a young age.

This means they’re not used to being petted, held, or generally handled by people. As a result, they can be skittish and wary of humans, which isn’t ideal if you’re looking for a cuddly house pet.

In addition, barn cats are typically not litter box trained. This isn’t much of an issue when they’re living outdoors, but it can quickly become a problem if they’re brought into the house.

Not to mention, barn cats are also accustomed to a diet of mice and other small rodents—something that most house cats would never dream of eating!

 

How to house train a barn cat?

 

When it comes to house training a barn cat, the key is to be patient and consistent. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Choose an area for the litter box that is easily accessible and away from high-traffic areas.

• Fill the litter box with high-quality, dust-free litter.

• Scoop the litter box daily and clean it out once a week.

• Encourage your cat to use the litter box by placing some of their favorite toys or treats near it.

• Be patient and consistent with your training, and remember that accidents will happen. Just clean up any messes immediately and provide positive reinforcement for using the litter box.

 

Conclusion

 

So, can barn cats become house pets? It’s possible, but it’s not always easy. If you’re thinking about adopting a barn cat, be prepared for them to be skittish and untrusting of people. You may also need to train them on proper litter box usage and get them used to eat cat food—not mice!

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