A working cat, also known as a mouser, is type of
domestic cat
The cat (''Felis catus''), also referred to as the domestic cat or house cat, is a small Domestication, domesticated carnivorous mammal. It is the only domesticated species of the family Felidae. Advances in archaeology and genetics have sh ...
that "works" for its keep by hunting
vermin
Vermin (colloquially varmint(s) or varmit(s)) are pests or nuisance animals that spread diseases and destroy crops, livestock, and property. Since the term is defined in relation to human activities, which species are included vary by regi ...
, such as
rodents
Rodents (from Latin , 'to gnaw') are mammals of the order Rodentia ( ), which are characterized by a single pair of continuously growing incisors in each of the upper and lower jaws. About 40% of all mammal species are rodents. They are n ...
. They are commonly employed where pest control is needed, such as barns, farms, factories, warehouses, stores, churchyards, and private property.
Types of working cats include the
bodega cat,
farm cat,
ship's cat, and
library cat. A benefit of using a working cat is that they alleviate the need for harmful pesticides.
Working cats are often placed in their environment as a part of a working cats program.
The resident cat at the
British Prime Minister's home at
10 Downing Street
10 Downing Street in London is the official residence and office of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, prime minister of the United Kingdom. Colloquially known as Number 10, the building is located in Downing Street, off Whitehall in th ...
has been given the title
Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office.
Working cats programs
A working cats program is designed to place cats in safe environments where they are valued for their hunting skills as working cats. These programs are typically offered by animal shelters who will use otherwise unadoptable cats in the program as an alternative to euthanasia. The cats may not be suitable for adoption because they are
feral cat
A feral cat or a stray cat is an unowned domestic cat (''Felis catus'') that lives outdoors and avoids human contact; it does not allow itself to be handled or touched, and usually remains hidden from humans. Feral cats may breed over dozens ...
s or did not acclimate to living in close quarters with humans.
Working cats programs usually provide cats that are spayed or neutered and fully vaccinated, and any adoption fee is often waived.
In exchange for their services, the cats are to receive a place to live, food, water, and vet care.
See also
*
Bodega cat, inhabits a convenience store.
*
Farm cat
*
Library cat
*
Ship's cat
References
External links
Ontario SPCA and Humane Society - Working Cat ProgramOntario SPCA's new "working cats" pilot program in action!{{Domestic cat
Working cats
Biological pest control
Feral cats
Urban wildlife