An Inside Look into our BARN CAT CATIO
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- Barn cat catio cats farm outdoor working cats felines friends family homestead. An Inside Look into our BARN CAT CATIO #barncat #catio
SUBSCRIBE and help support the channel. And don't forget to drop a comment. It helps us to build this channel into something special. We're transforming this 90 acre property into a self reliant homestead and farm stay vacation rental. We're building infrastructure to accomodate future growth such as barns, duck house, 7 coop chicken house, water hydrants, planting an orchard, building a garden etc. Chickens, ducks, geese, rabbits, barn cats and two old english sheepdogs make up our team here at the farm. Please follow along on our journey of transforming this place into something special.
😮😮sometimes the cats get together and use the power tools at night.
Great to see barn cats being looked after. They are often the forgotten cats
😊
This was inspiring. I’ll be borrowing some of these ideas on my future farm’s barn!
I love my barn girls every bit as much as my indoor no-nut boys!
You're absolutely right. Contrary to popular belief, cats CAN be trained, but sometimes it requires a bit of extra patience. You're doing an awesome job!
Oh for sure, I’ve been working on them bit by bit for two years now. They know they’re names (or at least know my voice) believe it or not Chunk, Dexter & Maggie were pretty feral when we got them and I slowly tamed them over a few months…now look at them.
@HiddenSpringFarm I believe it since I saw the videos. 🙂
@@HiddenSpringFarmI have two cats on 15 and on 7 they took a while to train them but not two years they do all kinds of things for treats if no treats about they are not taking much notice unless they are indoors already. I just love cats such independent little rascals they own me I know it. I’m their butler snuggle bug when they choose.
It’s all about whether you can motivate a cat. My easy-to-motivate cat has proven that he knows as many words as an intelligent dog. He won’t ever obey as well as a dog, but he doesn’t need to a treat to obey some commands (“[get on my] shoulder cat [if you want more attention]”, “ask nicely [to have the door opened]”, etc.). He obeys others most of the time: sit, come, up, down. Food/treats are often needed for the rest (each meal is a training session in our house).
@@kellybraun7048 sounds like an awesome cat with an awesome teacher 😃
❤Had my 4 cats all trained. They would go for walks on the green trails out around my house with me. No leases were required. When dogs or strangers were coming I'd say "hide" and they would disappear into the bushes. When the strangers had left... I'd call them and out they would all come. Super smart cats. ❤ I've always worked with rescue animals, cats, dogs, birds... they all have their own unique personalities. Feral cats can also be trained, just takes a lot longer. ❤
That’s amazing 🤩
That's a nice gig for a cat -- someplace to sleep at night, healthcare, warm tents, and fresh produce. 🙂
They’re gonna be so spoiled once I start creating their new space. Fun times.
What a great life you give them
Sure Chad, you weren’t a cat person before, but you definitely are now. The love and affection you have for them shows your true nature. A gradual clean-out of the old work shop will give everyone more space, leave the big stuff until spring. Enjoy the winding down of the season.
It’s was our first cats Stormy & Smokey (rip) that absolutely turned me into a cat lover. Added bonus is they do good work on the farm too.
Those cat treats (temptations) are really bad for cats…my boy kitty is prone to urine crystals and got very sick from them. Now I have to give him homeopathics and herbal tincture just to maintain his kidneys.
(First of the videos I’ve seen from you…very nice.
Super set up, Catman Chad!!👍
@@HiddenSpringFarm Absolutely LOVE how well you take of, protect and love your kitties... Mind, Body, Souls'... btw, love your chuckle and I've now subscribed...
🦋💜💜💜💜💜💜💜🦋
@kathybradbury ❤Thank you for mentioning that!❤ So many people aren't aware of how terribly unhealthy/dangerous, a lot of commonly used cat food/treats are. Im sorry to hear about your kitty's kidneys.
You are a loving cat dad!
Maggie and Tango are like kids who refuse to come inside when there is still a bit of daylight left.
Exactly…Tango is worse than Mango. She’d stay out if I let her. It always makes my day when the cat herding works like clockwork.
Nice to see the Catio protected against the weather by the tarps and that the cats have your old workshop for further protection and warmth. They are so well looked after it's clear you love them all. Love all the runs and nooks you've made for them, and the heating tents.
And a bonus is it’s gonna get even better for them when I get to work on this cat cave.
😻😻❤❤@@HiddenSpringFarm
Can’t wait to see what you do next!
Just an FYI: you can get heavy duty clear tarps. Then it wouldn’t be so dark in there. ❤️🐈⬛😎. All the cats are so sweet.
I agree. Depending on the location of the building, though, clear material could let in too much light and make it overly warm, although it looks pretty well-ventilated and basically open with the screening/fencing… of course, darker tarps or can get hot, as well, but if it’s east or south (or even westward) facing could make somewhat of a difference…
I had 13 barn cats. They couldn’t get out, which was good because of all the predators, but when temperatures went below 10 degrees Fahrenheit I would bring them all inside the house. There were litter boxes everywhere. They are very efficient mousers. Prior to owning cats there were so many mice inside the barn that mice would run over my feet while feeding the livestock.
We have both. Small dark tarps for summer to provide shade and clear tarps for winter so the warm sun can still come in
Absolutely. I just posted about that. There are videos on here w clear tarp systems for chicken runs that can even be raised and lowered, weather accommodating. They’re really the perfect set up.
The pussy-cats are wonderful! Just remember that cats have their street cred to consider,so can’t afford to let you think that you have the ‘upper hand’ (paw) as far as control is concerned! Thank you for treating all your creatures so well - they will pay you back time and time again.
What a wonderful human being you are. I was totally entertained and uplifted by your video
Does my heart good to see a man who worries and cares for cats. That is a rare thing for a male figure thank you.
You are so kind
GREAT set up! I wish all homeless cats could be shown this much love. God bless!
Right on 👍
@@HiddenSpringFarm bless you i love them all too xxxx
Thank you for giving these working cats a safe place!
Thnx for the comment 😁
I've been working with ferals for maybe 13 years. My pet peeve is having to get them in the house. If you get them small amounts of TUNA, they will come when you open the can. The store bought treats don't work. I can hit the tuna can with a fork to make noise and they come running. I have a very rambunctious cat named Fernando who has gotten himself in some life or death situations. I have to be able to get him quickly with just a few calls. Downside is he is now obsessed with food!! You are really taking great care of them. Your Catio is fantastic . My cats were watching and they are SO jealous!! Loved your video!
Fernando ~isn't there a song with about a Fernando?
Nice to see a caring person
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww sooooooooooooooo very cute
They’re part of the team!
Training a cat is constant reinforcement! I’ve been working on mine for 5 yrs. She’s has definitely learned some things. A treat bribe always works for me.
This is EXACTLY what I do every evening!! I’ve found 30 minutes before sundown is the perfect time to start. And I have one girl who is always the straggler!!
Haha it’s always the girls!!!
I bring my nosy cats in at about 10:30P always a straggler 😄 I have three that always rufuse to come in so they r permanently outdoors ❤️
You're a national treasure mon ami!
Oh They are all PRECIOUS and adorable!! ❤🐈😻🐾🫶❤️
I love your set up. Love to see that you ❤ them. So cool!
Thanks so much! 😊
You’re a great cat daddy! Even though they “earn their keep” it’s great that you treat them as pets!
Aw, thanks TH-cam algo!
They are so well loved !
My 2 girls also drink with their paw
Yet if it rains they won’t go outside to get their feet wet 😂
Haha they are strange those ones eh.
THIS is how you treat working animals!!! Thankyou for being awesome!
EDIT and of course you are Canadian, Canadians truly are the best!!
It's just great to see you caring for your barn cats, so many people don't think twice about them. They require the same things as other cats, shelter, vaccines, warmth, reliable food source, something to do. They also deserve the love and affection we give to our house pets. Your cats are beautiful and obviously cared and loved. They respond to affection so completely once they have won you over they are loyal and loving. People could learn a thing or two from you!
Thanks! They really are special, and they return the love 100%
Those cats have a wonderful life thanks to you guys. They are in beautiful condition and more than well fed. Cats are just offended if you expect to train them. They make sure you know they come when they want. Take care and sending well wishes from the UK. Fellow OES owners. Wendy
Haha yes ur right, cats do have a mind of their own 😆
Yes the Cats are so amazing....Sie haben Ihren eigenen Kopf🤩😄😂😂😂
Cats are wonderful creatures and these guys are loved, and having a job to do adds to their enjoyment of life. So pleased that you enjoy them so much. They are amazing.
Thank you so much for taking care of these precious babies. I love cats dearly ❤️ ♥️ 💛
Lovely!!!!
Good morning everyone. KITTIES!!!!!!!! I love them ALL 😊 Chad, you treat your cats very well. You have a good heart. How is your darling doing? We had a little dusting of snow here, only for it to be washed away by rain. It's not over in Chicago by ANY means. Have a great day everyone.
My Darlin is doing well thnx for asking. I’ll be starting to clean up the old workshop soon and planning out what ideas I can come up with for the new & improved cat cave.
Well done. So respectful and loving. And good video too! Thanks.
Thank you for loving those precious animals❣️
🥰
Love the cats & dogs❤❤❤❤❤❤
Plexiglass is also a good idea we used in Michigan it's so strong and the light can get in. It's on a frame like a window . 😊😊😊😊
Plus you love your cats and dogs, and you take really good care of them ❤❤❤❤❤❤
You’re living you best life. And the best life ..❤
Chad, what a great, loving person you are for your care and love of animals. Your cats are beyond gorgeous as well as your dogs and other furry treasures! I love your farm homestead and truly appreciate you sharing all that you do! Many thanks! Blessings to you, your wife and stunning animal treasures!
Aww thanks for the kind words ❤️
As a mom of 20 rescued cats, I sub.
What a great cat dad you are ❤
Beautiful healthy cat's ❤
😊
You are a star!!! A man who loves cats is a great thing! I think is is so funny that the cats are such cats when it comes to rounding them up to go to barn. Maggie cat is making biscuits in the air! You are such a devoted cat master!
Barn cats is great to have against rodents :)
Your working cats have a wonderful setup….safe and fun shelter while the ability to go outdoors and “cat around” during the day. You’re a great guy with a huge heart ❤ These cats hit the jackpot with you 🙏
You are doing a fantastic job of caring for your work cats. Don't listen to anyone's comments saying otherwise. They are so happy and well taken care of. They get the best of both worlds, outside and in protected spaces. What are your summers like? They love sun.
@@christina3111 I agree. It’s not a perfect system, sometimes they don’t wanna come back in. They love to ignore me 😂 we have some warm summers…can get as hot as 36-38c but only for short times for the most part it’s comfortable. I do see them laying in the sun, especially the boys usually all together too while the girls are more solo.
What a (great) life these cats have! Maggie has a mind of her own. Just like my Zelda....also a female tabby. But Ollie, my ginger boy comes when called, just like Mango!
It’s always the two girls that don’t wanna come back home.
@@HiddenSpringFarmI think boy cats are more attached to their family!💞
Thanks! So glad you are taking care of the kitties!
Aww thanks so much, you’re so kind. The cats will get some yummy churus ☺️
They are all beautiful cats. You are so kind to give them a catio and shelter in your workshop at night. Happy Cats!!
Tip: give the treats to the cats that are already in...make a big production of it, and don’t give treats to the stragglers when they finally come running for the treats. The stragglers will be first in line the next day, and it’ll prevent the compliant cats from learning that non-compliance earns treats.
I love your kindness and patience with them all. ❤️
❤good advice!!
"Herding cats" is a saying for a reason! Looks like your barn cats are well cared for! Great job.
This is the best circus of cats 🐈 around! I absolutely love when you highlight each and every one of them. You forgot to show and tell everyone about your fantastic little red barn you designed…… don’t forget to show it off! Their entire living space is unparalleled and the best jungle gym possible! 👍💯🥰
Aww thanks a million ❤️
Great video! Thank you for being a responsible and loving animal owner! Makes my day!
❤️
Your cats look very healthy . Cats love repetition. Definitely animals of habit. Love cats
Thank you for caring so well for those beautiful cats! I care for neighborhood kitties so I do a similar close into our small porch to keep snow out and provide a few heated cat houses or pads so they can get warm. Love the heated water dish too. Great job.
You’re doing a great thing for them, helping them to not only survive but thrive.
Your cats are definitely living their best 9 lives 🐈🐈⬛🐾🐾 💯🐾🐾 💯❤️
They are happy cats….my Russian Blue girl was a chonk. My other four kits all good weight. All fed the same. LOVE your videos 🐈⬛
Those cats are so entertaining. They are all about everywhere. Having a ball. 🤗🤗🤗
Yup they sure do keep me entertained just like our two dogs. Great friends we have here.
@@HiddenSpringFarm your dogs are gorgeous and very attentive.
Many people don’t understand that cats do get cold. My two elderly cats have chairs that I make tents over using small blankets and they live inside. I’m so glad you have a comfortable and safe place for your cats 🙏🌈💝
When ours get older we buy them heated beds and they are indoor only
I'm so glad I found your channel...I really enjoyed watching this video while drinking my coffee! People who love cats have to be 'good folks'!!! I loved every minute of this! More, please...lol KL
Btw...cats are more like humans than dogs. I laughed out loud, watching you round up your cat gang. I am the oldest of five kids. I was reminded of my mother yelling for us kids to come home for dinner. My youngest brother was just like Tango. Lol
Mom would have to threaten to call my dad, and THEN he would come running. Dad only had to yell for us once. :)
Most cats are food motivated. Feed them once a day, exactly when they turn back and collect all the leftover food so they don't have abundance of food. This will help a lot.
Growing up on a dairy farm in western NY in the mid 70s-80s we had at any given time around 44 cats. Every single one of them was from people dropping them off!!
We'd get up in the morning and find a mamma cat with newborn kittens in a pillowcase in the driveway. Or fluffy silky Persians terrified hiding under equipment. It was bonkers, but we cared for every single one of them.
We had a large cat house (haha) with a heat light in it and lots of wood chips (nothing that could get wet and cause frostbite) and was fully protected from the wind. When it would drop into the -40Fs with a blizzard that would last for days and we'd not be able to really get out to them, we'd move them into the basement. Had a very bad flea infestation from that!
We tried to adopt them out whenever we could. We'd feed them with a rain gutter full of cat food and scraps mixed with a water gravy (like the gravy train dog food used to do).
We lost so many to a variety of things. We had a cemetery for them. The local vet gave us the medication to give them injections to put them down ourselves when they'd get a bad disease (or show up with one). I named every single one and we must have had hundreds of them over the years!
I have no idea if word spread somewhere that there were some loony farmers taking in cats, but it did get out of hand and we did the best we could.
When we'd call them for food (when they weren't trying to get into the house with our two house cats- one a kitten I rescued from mauling) We 'd say in a very high pitch "here BEEEEEEBEEEEEEEEEEBEEEEEEEEEBEEEEEEEEEEEBEEEEEEEEEEEEES" and you'd have a stampede of cats! We did this for feeding time so it was rather easy to call them in lol
The heated cat tents are an excellent choice.
wow, God bless you cats and dogs are my kind a people. I have 6 dogs and been feeding stray cats over 5 years. I love them
I so enjoyed your video. I love your kind and patient way about you. Your cats are happy in their environment. Thank you.
I love how you love and respect your cats!!
You are a very kind and extremely patient
soul! Your feline clan members are quite
remarkable, and highly entertaining. The
tarp barriers you installed on the catio
should work quite well , to keep the interior
free of snow, and the cats a lot more
comfortable. As they are all working
cats keeping the rodent population in
check, clearly serving an invaluable
role on your property. Thanks for
sharing the video footage with all of
us, quite entertaining and most
amusing as well. You also have a
wild sense of humor, which makes
the video even more enjoyable to
watch.
Beautiful cats, caring owner, so handsom too :) Greetings from Poland.
I rescued a black kitten years ago and he turned out to be the best cat I’ve ever owned. I don’t know if it’s an inherent personality trait, but that little guy is a solid cuddle monster.
Rescued cats or strays have been some of my best cats.
I’ve been a cat rescuer for 40 years. Down to 13 currently but I am almost 80.
You could get transparent sheets, the purpose to prevent the snow not the light. Cats like to watch their surrounding.
The cat house is gorgeous. Very cosy now. The cats are all gorgeous.
It's great to see how you accept, understand, and love those cats. Patience is necessary.
Absolutely! They are a joy to have around. 🥰
What lovely cats and so well looked after as help on the farm and pets too. You do a great job Sir and have fun doing it. I miss my two cats and the fun getting them in
I have a tuxedo cat that has a pouch like that. She's never been preggo and is not over weight. She's a noisy purr factory and cuddler. And one big mouser. Sadly my other cat disappeared recently. She's lonely. So I have to find another friend for her. I love my working cats.
Great cat life! Hunters using natural skills! Win win!
My grandma lived out in the middle of nowhere in the country. She always had about a dozen "working cats" around. They never came into the house, but were well taken care of and well loved. They didn't have a catio, but a big barn to hang out in.
Great video. Adorable cats & you take such good care of them. You obviously love them very much 😊
I'm not usually a dog person but Olive and Molly are pretty sweet doggos
I love that you give them SHELTER. It's cold and they need a place to be away from weather and predators. That is wonderful that u gave them heated cat tents in there to give them some added warmth. I know they LOVE those!!! You're a very good man to take such great care of your cat family. I love it. They are as loyal as u are and beautiful! Thank you!!
Your cats are loving life. Great set up with the tarps cutting off the cold wind and snow. They are loved and are taken care of. They keep rodent population down which also keeps snake population down around your home. ❤ 🐈
This is the most adorable and fun and informative post EVER! Keep it coming and happy holidays 👏🙏✌️🎄
9:50 yes yes Yes! You did a fantastic service for your amazing cats by keeping them out of the wather and giving them heated cat tents. I could hug you. I wish everyone treated their animals so well.
That belly flap is a primordial pouch, big cats have them too. We have a 22 plus orange boy too. When your kids work the farm, they are still family not just workers, naturally you're still going to love them. Twin wall, coroplast would have been great instead of the tarp, add some insulation at the same time, last years and white clear allows light to come through. Stop free feeding if you do, time dinner with time to come in, that may help more.
From one cat lover to another. Good job. And thanks for being there guarding angel. 🙏✌️💜💜💜🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
😊
Aw, such a lovely video of all of your sweet cats and that you love them so much! ❤🙏😻
Appreciate the comment 😊
Cat heaven. Perfect life for cats.
OMG I love this! 1st I'm Canadian, 2nd I live in the country, 3rd I love cats! I especially appreciate when men love cats, and I think you've done an amazing job making a fantastic home for your felines. I got two Livestock Guardian Dogs just to watch my cats when they go out during the day. Getting them in before sunset is always a challenge but they do get trained and shaking the treats has always been my main training tool - reverse psychology works as well - ignore them for a bit and they come. As my cats got older they just came in on their own. I can so relate even though mine are house cats. Major thumbs up for your love and appreciation of animals (cats).
I love how you take such good care of your cat's. And how you lock them in at night to keep them safe.
We love your inside look into your barn cat catio. It is very obvious how much you love your cat family and they love you. The heated tints look cozy to. Thank you for sharing the whole project as well as your thinking on caring for your beautiful animals. ❤. Yep, our cats know their names when we call them but, I usually say just say "this way, this way". Works for us..
Fozzy is darling chonky fellow. Don’t ever change my man ❤
Yeah he’s just such a cool cat.
So happy to see plenty of walking and jumping places.Happy kitties.
You are doing a great job! Cats look well fed, cared for. One can tell you are a caring person. Yes, lots of cats disappear at night, not just coyotes, but possum and cute raccoons will kill and eat them. Cats feel hunger, pain, but also love and affection....we get alot of unconditional love in return from these furry creatures! There are heavy duty clear plastic....for your other side....so it doesn't get any darker for them! Would be a long winter in the dark, plus they love looking out! Good luck....look forward to more videos from you!
Repetition and positive reinforcement are the keys to training ALL animals. 😊
19:40 OMG Maggie May was making biscuits for you!! Adorable you said “stretching them out” like the new to cat guy you are! Ha! That’s great. How nice for her to make air biscuits for you, she was feeling so happy and so loved!
I'm not sure if this would work but maybe look into Clear Roof Panels to go where you put the tarps but they would still let light in. Thank You for caring so much about your cats.
My husband and I take care of 17 feral cats. We built a couple of cat houses and turned the porch of my she shed into a cat house. We have the back porch on the house, available to them and we just added a cat door on the front porch. It started during the lockdowns and we had to stop catching them and turning them into a local shelter because the shelter closed down. Now the shelter is overwhelmed with 800 cats. So we decided we have to keep taking care of these feral cats. It is so sad to see them out in the cold, but we are doing the best we can. How do you keep your cats from fighting over territory? They don’t share houses. It would be great if they did.
Aww, so heartwarming! 🥰Thank you for sharing!
I have a 7×14 app. Dog run. Tarped it, put in light n radiator heater. Turned plastic tubs sideways n covered with blankets, sheets. 2 large dog houses also and iron shelf. They can sleep n eat in comfort. It's not locked so I covered door with hanging blankets. Toys are included.
My 3 outside cats are now 7. They just show up for food n shelter. And I do worry about them. Fortunately we're 3 blocks to the Gulf of Mexico so no snow.
❤ my 😺s
Here in Montana, the temps are way too cold (10 degrees to -20; 5,700 ft above sea level) to have this type of set up. I love the catio! Our cats stay in the barn 24/7 during winter and we made them winterized cat boxes, I'm sure you have seen them...... triple insulated containers with styrofoam and hay and tiny doors. They also have a heat lamp in the food room to keep their water from freezing. THANK YOU FOR LOVING THOSE BEAUTIFUL KITTIES!
Sounds good, just one point if that's alright, have you tried to swap out hay with straw? They should appreciate that as a drier and better insulator
I find shouting “pus,puss,puss puss puss puss works pretty well . In fact when we were farming i shouted ”come on” and all the cows would get up and wander back to the farm buildings.Regards from England