Barn cats: Here, there and everywhere

Barn cats — just about every ranch and farm has them. The name “barn cats” has been given to cats that like to hang out around barns, outbuildings and haystacks. However, today the name “barn cat” is generally used when referring to cats in rural settings, whether there’s a barn or not. Barn cats seek out places where they can get in out of winter weather and hide from predators such as foxes and bobcats. And, of course, they need a place where they can find food, especially in winter when rodents are scarce. Years ago, most ranchers milked cows and shared the milk with barn cats. The ranchers didn’t mind sharing because the cats kept down the mice and rat populations. The same holds true today. Cats and ranchers benefit from this relationship. Some barn cats have gotten to ranches by their owners who needed “mousers.” But in most cases, barn cats are strays, seeking homes after their previous owners moved away or, even more likely, trying to find refuge after people have driven them out into the country and dropped them off. Whatever the reason, ranches are apt to have a bunch of cats of every age, size and color. Some are tame; others are wild. Some arrive with chewed-up ears, bad cuts, matted fur and bad eyes...By Diane Prather in the Craig Daily Press.