Arlo
Although he’s not actually the son of famed musician Woody Guthrie, Arlo has a knack for writing songs of protest. What is he protesting against, you ask? Unclear. But what we do know is that this guy has a LOT to say.
Arlo originally came to PAWS in 2022 as a kitten. He spent some time growing in foster care and was then adopted with his brother Binx. Unfortunately, as the kittens got older, Arlo took on the role of “big brother” and started fighting with his brother. When his parents tried to break it up, he would scratch them instead. Arlo was rehomed to a pet-free residence, but then he decided he really enjoyed going outside. His owners tried to keep him in, but he would scratch and bite when they stopped him.
We assume Arlo eventually got his way, because he was found as a stray in a feral cat colony. He had been living in the colony for a few months and, according to his caretakers, seemed to be fine with the 20+ other cats in the area and co-existed well.
Because of Arlo’s sordid past, we are looking for a very special placement and adopter for him. Arlo should probably live in a pet free home without young kids. A cat savvy adopter, who can be prepared for some unpredictable behaviors, would be ideal. Arlo is also available as a Working Cat! He clearly loves the outdoors and his independence and would most likely thrive in a barn/working cat home. He is definitely ready to sharpen his claws and do some natural rodent control around your home or farm!
Age: ~1 years old
How I came to PAWS: Stray
Animal ID#: A53284
Location: PAWS’ Grays Ferry clinic. This is not a walk-in facility, so please email adoptions@phillypaws.org to set up a time to meet this kitty!
All about working cats
What is a “working cat” or “barn cat”?
Cats searching for homes through PAWS’ Working Cat Adoption Program can range quite a bit in personality. Some are fearful of humans due to lack of socialization and need a quiet place to live independently. Many previously lived outdoors, or were indoor/outdoor cats, who don’t have a safe home to return to and are not adjusting to indoor life. Others may be friendly but too energetic (or feisty) for a traditional home, so we’re looking for a more robust outlet for their energy by matching them with an environment with more enrichment and space to roam.
How do you care for a working cat?
When adopting a Working Cat, you are committing to being its primary caregiver for the rest of its life, providing a warm shelter, food, water, and medical care. Adopters should make a plan for daily care and consider how best to keep a cat safe from dangers, such as heavy machinery, traffic, weather, and predators. All Working Cats are vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and microchipped. They will need routine yearly vaccinations, regular flea & tick preventative, and medical care as needed.
Finding the perfect working cat for you
To ensure a good fit, we start by asking you to complete a brief questionnaire. Then, we will help you make a great match for your property and answer any questions you may have. For placement, it is helpful if you have a crate or space to acclimate the cat. PAWS can also loan you a crate. You can pick up the cat, or we can provide transportation and even help set-up the cat in their new home! To acclimate and adjust to a new property, a cat needs to reset their internal GPS and become comfortable with their new food source (you). For an outdoor or an indoor/outdoor property, a cat will temporarily live in an extra large crate or enclosed room during the three-to-four weeks they’ll need to adjust to their new home before being allowed to roam free. To learn more, please email workingcats@phillypaws.org
