If you live on a farm and are looking for a way to control your vermin population, then a cat can be a great option. They provide a stress-free way of keeping rats, mice, and other pests at bay while being a lovable addition to your family.
Below, we’ll explore some of the best cats to introduce to your Homestead for efficient pest control. While some species will be satisfied with a safe and dry space to sleep for the night, others will enjoy becoming a part of your family.
American Curl
This intelligent and active cat loves to play and does not spend much of its time lazing around. Not only does this breed possess the energy to persist with your pests, but catching the rats and mice in your barn provides them with a fun and stimulating activity to keep them entertained.
The American Curl is great with children and families who will see their gentle and loving nature, but be warned; when they go on the hunt, you will see the more ruthless side to their personality.
American Shorthair
The American Shorthair is a common cat that people often overlook as a suitable barn cat. But, it has a history on farms, having been used to keep rat and mice populations at bay in days gone by.
Skills that make an American shorthair suitable as a barn cat include that they are hardy, have an impressive hunting instinct, are easy to maintain with short coats that require minimal grooming and are calm and easy-going around people.
This makes them an ideal companion on the farm, who will rid you of your pest problem.
American Wirehair
With its origins in New York, the American Wirehair appeared from a mutation in a barn cat, who possessed an unusual coat. Instead of a soft fur covering, this barn cat had hair that much more closely resembled sheep’s wool.
This unique coat helps the American Wirehair to stay warm and dry, even in challenging weather conditions. Plus, their keen hunting skills help to keep the rat and mice populations at bay; their strong, muscular bodies are particularly well adapted for catching larger prey such as giant rats or moles.
Balinese
This vocal and active breed loves to play with various toys and games. The Balinese is a skilled hunter adept at catching and removing pests from your home. However, they won’t always be in the mood to play – sometimes, when they see a mouse, they’ll be disinterested.
While they are effective, they are not always efficient at catching all prey.
Bengal
This Asian Leopard cat crossbreed makes the perfect hunter thanks to the wild genes that still permeate the personality of this domestic species. They can catch any pest within smelling distance and, as a natural hunter, will experience joy purely from the chase.
Chartreux
The Chartreux is a playful cat breed from France, but don’t let their soft demeanor fool you; they are expert predators with perfectly adapted muscular bodies who take their hunts very seriously.
Chausie
Originating in Egypt, this impressively sized cat species can grow up to 25 pounds! They possess a gentle and playful nature with their owners but have strong predatory instincts and impressive agility, making them the perfect hunters.
Cymric
The Cymric is among the laziest of the breeds here, but once they begin to pursue a mouse, you will see their energy peak as they stalk their prey. This breed is not an expert mouser, but they can be pretty efficient pest control when the mood takes them, and they make an excellent family pet to boot.
Domestic Shorthair
The Domestic shorthair cat loves to hunt, even though they spend most of their time indoors. So instead, this breed will spend most of its time gazing outside the window, stalking a bird, squirrel, or other animals.
Hunting vermin is instilled in their DNA, as their ancestors were used to take care of the rodent issues on the Mayflower. These cats are now used as beloved pets but don’t be surprised if they enjoy chasing leaves or bugs while you sleep at night.
Feral Cats
Feral Cats are a type rather than a breed; they are cats that are trapped, spayed or neutered, and then released again. This type of cat will be well conditioned for outdoor living and have many survival skills up its sleeve – including the ability to hunt well to feed itself.
Some feral cats will just be looking for a regular and safe place to sleep, and your barn will be perfect for them. Others may have come from a family home and be looking for new humans to adopt them.
Either way, feral cats are a cost-effective solution to getting rid of pets, and you can feel good that you’re providing food and accommodation to a cat in need.
Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese Bobtail makes an excellent barn cat thanks to its agility and active personality. With attention to detail and a sharp focus, they will take care of all your vermin concerns, including moles, mice, and even birds.
The Bobtail is a sociable pet that will get on with your family and other cats, but it can be an expensive breed to purchase.
This cat is highly communicative and vocal, and it can be a little demanding of your attention. However, they bring a playful and fun personality to your home, and if you have kids they will provide the perfect entertainment for them.
Maine Coon
With the appearance of a wild cat, this breed is ideally suited for a life outdoors. They possess a long, double-layer coat to protect them from extreme weather, plus muscular bodies, which make them powerful and precise hunters.
Introducing the Maine Coon into your barn will almost entirely eliminate the pest and vermin population. In addition, they make fantastic pets, with their friendly and easy-going personality.
Manx
The Manx originated in a British Region known as the Isle of Man, where once upon a time, they would sail on ships to take care of any rat infestations that occurred. In addition, farmers heavily relied on them for keeping rodents at bay, so this species has a rich history of dealing with pests.
Pixie Bob
Pixie Bobs descend from a barn cat, so they already possess feral roots, and although they have no scientific connection to the Bobcat, they share some characteristics with this wild relative.
They are sensational hunters who can blend into an outdoor environment thanks to their neutral coloring. While they will hunt pests and rodents, they will be incredibly loving towards you and your family, including other animals such as dogs or chickens.
Siamese
Siamese cats may be one of the oldest and most recognizable breeds in the world. They are incredible hunters with high levels of alertness, active lifestyles, and agility. A Siamese is self-sufficient, adaptable, and valuable on the farm. These cats will rid you of your pest problem while providing a loyal companion.
But be aware that they are vocal and one of the most talkative cat breeds globally.
Siberian
With this breed’s origins in the chilly climates of Russia and Siberia, they are the perfect cat to handle cold conditions. Though they have a large, fluffy appearance, they are impressively agile with focused hunting skills that make them effective predators.
Turkish Angora
This naturally occurring middle eastern breed has adapted to a domesticated lifestyle while maintaining its hunting instinct. As a result, the Turkish Angora has no problem catching prey, with its strength and speed to trap even the fastest mice. In addition, this breed is highly intelligent.
Final thoughts
All cats are hunters. In fact, cats first came to human civilizations to feed on the rats and mice that surrounded human populations. Many cats will make a suitable barnyard companion for you and your family, though some breeds possess particularly useful skills for catching small predators.
It really depends on the size of your Homestead and the size of your pest infestation as to which cat breed will be most suitable for you.
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