In an effort to save the lives of unsocialized outdoor cats, the Cape May County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center and the Animal Alliance of Cape May County (AACMC) in New Jersey have created the Barn Buddy program, aimed at locating people who have room in their barns, compassion in their hearts, and a willingness to give a cat a chance at a new life.

Barn Buddy cats are spayed or neutered, receive rabies and distemper vaccines, are Feline Leukemia and FIV tested and are ear-tipped for easy identification. Ear tipping is a painless procedure in which a small notch is cut into the ear indicating that the animal has been spayed or neutered. The AACMC absorbs all fees associated with the cats in exchange for an agreement to continue long-term care, feeding and shelter for the cat.

Shelter Manager Judy Davies-Dunhour explained, Cats chosen for the program will be moderately socialized to people, yet would not be happy living inside a house. Up to this point, they have been living outside. They will keep watch over your barn, your warehouse, your business, wherever theyre needed and they work for room and board.

Sheriff Gary Schaffer supports the program adding, Most of the cats at the Shelter arrive here when they are brought in by Animal Control. While some of these cats are friendly and can easily make a transition to becoming house pets, others are less socialized. These are the cats were trying to save. Although they may not want to sit on your lap, they deserve to live out their lives, and can make excellent mousers, Davies-Dunhour said.

For more information, contact the Shelter at 609-465-8923, or the Animal Alliance of Cape May County at 609-465-NEUT.

The Cape May County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center Shelter is located at 110 Shelter Road, Cape May Court House, off Exit 11 of the Garden State Parkway. The Shelter is open daily, except legal holidays.

[LINK: Shore News Today. TOP PHOTO: Alley Cats and Angels]