Being a barn cat farmer is not for the faint of heart. But as I’ve reflected on the great cats that have graced our barn and departed too soon, one thing is clear: They are worth the inevitable heartache.
Barn cats are more than “just a cat” at our house. Admittedly, we’ve held funerals for our beloved friends. As a parent, it is heartbreaking and that’s why some of my friends have done away with cats. But here are three reasons why I believe these furry friends are worth it anyway.
1. Barn cats help you laugh more.
Sometimes barn life is stressful. Between sick animals, tired humans and hot temperatures, our barn cats always find ways to make us laugh and keep us entertained.
When the cat starts to develop an ultra shiny hair coat and puts on weight fast, maybe he snuck a few bites of your pig’s show feed.
2. Barn cats make loyal friends.
Our kids spend a lot of hours in the barn each day during the summer and there’s no question it’s nice to have a friendly face to hang out with. Our barn cats have been good about being close, but not too close. And they keep the mice away – that’s definitely a value to me!
When the barn cat assumes she should be walked like a pig.
3. Barn cats provide needed stress relief.
There’s been so much fear, anxiety and angst our kids have had to deal with in these past few years. Animals help make those stresses have a little less power over us. Barn cats give you something good to think about and are a way to de-stress.
A fitting way to cap off a strange 2020 show season...someone snuck into the photo.
There’s no question dogs are great companions, too. But there’s something to be said for a self-sufficient barn cat who gives you your space, keeps your barn free of mice and helps you make tons of great memories along the way.
An extra guest when we were trying to leave for the goat show.
Like the cat who liked to sleep curled up to our goats,
the cat who could jump straight up in the air about 3’,
the cat who liked to get stuck in trees,
the cat who loved to pounce on Harper,
the cat who scared unsuspecting friends who did chores while we were gone,
the cat who would crawl up my window screen to peer into my office,
the cat who chased grass and cornstalks,
the cat who helped us walk the pigs,
the cat who rode on Macy the pony’s back,
the cat who made us tear down our barn,
and ultimately to all of our cats who showed us how to love a little bigger.
All of our cats are quite close with Macy, our pony. This one even liked to go for a ride.
Here’s to loving animals and hopefully being a little better because of them!
Share your pics of your barn cat on the farm at editors@farmjournal.com.
Chores are always more fun with a barn cat.
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