An Inside Look into our BARN CAT CATIO

[@katiekat909]

Great to see barn cats being looked after. They are often the forgotten cats

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

😊

[@irenafarm]

This was inspiring. I’ll be borrowing some of these ideas on my future farm’s barn!

[@CJGatro]

I love my barn girls every bit as much as my indoor no-nut boys!

[@wickedbird1538]

😮😮sometimes the cats get together and use the power tools at night.

[@elisaa9981]

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!

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

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.

[@elisaa9981]

@HiddenSpringFarm I believe it since I saw the videos. 🙂

[@cosmopolitanwonder9675]

@@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.

[@kellybraun7048]

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).

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

@@kellybraun7048 sounds like an awesome cat with an awesome teacher 😃

[@deb283028]

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.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

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.

[@kathybradbury]

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.

[@DJKent-iq9iw]

Super set up, Catman Chad!!👍

[@hummingbird_chirps8520]

@@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... 🦋💜💜💜💜💜💜💜🦋

[@Christ-why]

​@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.

[@jcortese3300]

That's a nice gig for a cat -- someplace to sleep at night, healthcare, warm tents, and fresh produce. 🙂

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

They’re gonna be so spoiled once I start creating their new space. Fun times.

[@EHCBunny4real]

Maggie and Tango are like kids who refuse to come inside when there is still a bit of daylight left.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

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.

[@dawnth531]

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.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

And a bonus is it’s gonna get even better for them when I get to work on this cat cave.

[@dawnth531]

😻😻❤❤@@HiddenSpringFarm

[@chrismccall2122]

Can’t wait to see what you do next!

[@annieyahu676]

❤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. ❤

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

That’s amazing 🤩

[@CJGatro]

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!!

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Haha it’s always the girls!!!

[@tiffanyclark-grove1989]

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 ❤️

[@_papad8434]

You are a loving cat dad!

[@janieclaypool9842]

You’re a great cat daddy! Even though they “earn their keep” it’s great that you treat them as pets!

[@alanhenryfruhling1745]

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww sooooooooooooooo very cute

[@ofeliaorpilla5178]

Thank you so much for taking care of these precious babies. I love cats dearly ❤️ ♥️ 💛

[@wenn9366]

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.

[@createwithbarbbl4125]

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.

[@Terirn65]

I love your set up. Love to see that you ❤ them. So cool!

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@ccct]

GREAT set up! I wish all homeless cats could be shown this much love. God bless!

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Right on 👍

[@elizabethannferrario7113]

@@HiddenSpringFarm bless you i love them all too xxxx

[@ChisekoMkoka]

It's great to see how you accept, understand, and love those cats. Patience is necessary.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Absolutely! They are a joy to have around. 🥰

[@waddleinnhomestead]

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 😂

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Haha they are strange those ones eh.

[@duyguguler4300]

Lovely!!!!

[@Meb42765]

Thank you for giving these working cats a safe place!

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Thnx for the comment 😁

[@tonamiller6850]

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!

[@pilarq7886]

Fernando ~isn't there a song with about a Fernando?

[@lindahutto7372]

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.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

You are so kind

[@RJH_LIL]

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.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

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.

[@debbieedwards9508]

Thank you for loving those precious animals❣️

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

🥰

[@lizzieb6311]

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 🙏

[@SuzanneWho]

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.

[@erikm8372]

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…

[@martiemutsch7461]

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.

[@KATinBLACK]

We have both. Small dark tarps for summer to provide shade and clear tarps for winter so the warm sun can still come in

[@jstu8]

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.

[@chrisberry9017]

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.

[@azulgaia7782]

Well done. So respectful and loving. And good video too! Thanks.

[@kathyanderson5836]

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!

[@markburkill4244]

Nice to see a caring person

[@leonafaryna7617]

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! 👍💯🥰

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Aww thanks a million ❤️

[@pacjam418]

They’re part of the team!

[@pacjam418]

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.

[@hensmom6473]

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 🐈‍⬛

[@CapitalismSuxx]

THIS is how you treat working animals!!! Thankyou for being awesome! EDIT and of course you are Canadian, Canadians truly are the best!!

[@annieZannie]

They are all beautiful cats. You are so kind to give them a catio and shelter in your workshop at night. Happy Cats!!

[@rosemarshall1219]

What a great cat dad you are ❤

[@SKinSKorea]

"Herding cats" is a saying for a reason! Looks like your barn cats are well cared for! Great job.

[@tamalopo]

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

[@sueczerniak1266]

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!

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

It’s always the two girls that don’t wanna come back home.

[@CMoore8539]

@@HiddenSpringFarmI think boy cats are more attached to their family!💞

[@sandramusici3763]

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!

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Aww thanks for the kind words ❤️

[@sonyaclay56]

I so enjoyed your video. I love your kind and patient way about you. Your cats are happy in their environment. Thank you.

[@heatherphelps3799]

Great video! Thank you for being a responsible and loving animal owner! Makes my day!

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

❤️

[@bigwu100]

Your cats look very healthy . Cats love repetition. Definitely animals of habit. Love cats

[@kathrinekerns8398]

Those cats are so entertaining. They are all about everywhere. Having a ball. 🤗🤗🤗

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Yup they sure do keep me entertained just like our two dogs. Great friends we have here.

[@kathrinekerns8398]

@@HiddenSpringFarm your dogs are gorgeous and very attentive.

[@darrenwilson7217]

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

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Haha yes ur right, cats do have a mind of their own 😆

[@manub6556]

Yes the Cats are so amazing....Sie haben Ihren eigenen Kopf🤩😄😂😂😂

[@jennifersutton3115]

Beautiful healthy cat's ❤

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

😊

[@muffassa6739]

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 . 😊😊😊😊

[@muffassa6739]

Plus you love your cats and dogs, and you take really good care of them ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@eringirl1986]

Thanks! So glad you are taking care of the kitties!

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Aww thanks so much, you’re so kind. The cats will get some yummy churus ☺️

[@JR-kz2xn]

I love how you love and respect your cats!!

[@judybraviere2715]

From one cat lover to another. Good job. And thanks for being there guarding angel. 🙏✌️💜💜💜🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

😊

[@BreCat7]

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. ❤ 🐈

[@vickimarlene4905]

The cat house is gorgeous. Very cosy now. The cats are all gorgeous.

[@victoriakraft6055]

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 🙏🌈💝

[@BusArch42]

When ours get older we buy them heated beds and they are indoor only

[@joeannperschall7226]

Its so wonderful to see your love for your cats and puppies.😊

[@OurCatioHome]

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..

[@sharonmcrae3424]

Entertaining, educational, and relaxing to watch😸Effective voice presentation and filming style! It’s refreshing to see a hard working man’s point of view without all that kissy, sickening baby talk to cats in many other videos. Appreciating this channel and looking forward to viewing its progress. No nonsense just common sense! A simple life IS the best life!

[@kathleenloucks9012]

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. :)

[@calig2349]

You’re living you best life. And the best life ..❤

[@brandywell44]

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

[@vazeenadoul9275]

I love your patience and dedication to get these beautiful cats trained back to their catio after a long day patrol. God bless your beautiful soul 💚🍀

[@christaverduren690]

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

[@surewhatever8843]

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. ❤️

[@nadineerickson-lo3gx]

❤good advice!!

[@wendybyle]

Aw, such a lovely video of all of your sweet cats and that you love them so much! ❤🙏😻

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Appreciate the comment 😊

[@deborahcole6999]

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!!

[@goshka6]

Beautiful cats, caring owner, so handsom too :) Greetings from Poland.

[@TheZombieButler]

It was fun to watch the expression of herding cats. Thank you for the video.

[@Fluidx808]

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).

[@escondidonative2903]

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.

[@CLark-yk7oz]

This is the most adorable and fun and informative post EVER! Keep it coming and happy holidays 👏🙏✌️🎄

[@kathyanderson5836]

Great cat life! Hunters using natural skills! Win win!

[@kyrad6543]

"It's like herding cats" literally! What a fun video.

[@auset1276]

Aww, so heartwarming! 🥰Thank you for sharing!

[@dianewhittemore5350]

Thank you for caring for them. you take of better care of them than most others do for house cats.

[@annchurchill2638]

So happy to see plenty of walking and jumping places.Happy kitties.

[@stanley1554]

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.

[@karenmonroe5415]

I think that you have done a wonderful job for your cat. I am very impressed with all the wallsteps and all of the places. I can get high up there walking around and jumping around from plank to plank. Wonder wonderful job and they are so happy. Thank you for all of your hard work. I think you're great. God bless you❤❤❤😊😊😊🎉🎉🎉🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🕊🕊🕊🥳🥳🥳💐💐💐

[@stacy8915]

Great video. Adorable cats & you take such good care of them. You obviously love them very much 😊

[@Chanta-b1h]

You have very beautiful kitties and have made them a wonderful catio. It’s good to give them access to the workroom.❤

[@mariajiml9895]

That is nice Barn Your cats Enjoying their farm .

[@chriscusick6890]

The heated cat tents are an excellent choice.

[@missbabbett9086]

Just beautiful I love what you have done for the kitties. 👍😻💖

[@nadineerickson-lo3gx]

It's makes me so happy when I see someone who appreciates their working cat pets! Thak you for sharing. Have a good Christmas.

[@ChrisSwygard-x6m]

These cats are superfluous entertainmet

[@Kitty_cat2001]

You did a great job-I love your kitties such cuties ❤They are treated extremely well! Yes when cats pass it is devastating 😢Australia

[@nsxt290]

The music in your videos suits these cats. Nice to hear they are efficient workers w/ great benefits

[@bonnehausman2253]

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!

[@pamelatourney8692]

I love how you take such good care of your cat's. And how you lock them in at night to keep them safe.

[@ruthjohnson6369]

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.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

You’re doing a great thing for them, helping them to not only survive but thrive.

[@Carycares1817]

Here comes the snow already Looks cozy in there for the cats. Great cats. Fonzie is my fav. Your new work shop is done now just in time. Will be watching winter activites. Chopping wood ect. ❤ to both and all your animals.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Oh yeah back in Sept I was worried I wouldn’t get the new shop up in time, but I hustled and now I’m satisfied.

[@marcygriffin7822]

Thank you for sharing your 🐈 🐈‍⬛ with us 😊😊😊

[@normas5267]

Repetition and positive reinforcement are the keys to training ALL animals. 😊

[@fuzzytale]

This is adorable. So glad you take such good care of them

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

❤️

[@BirdWhisperer46]

I grew up on an Illinois farm 70 years ago and I love cats.

[@linda-louiseanthony1979]

Love a barn cat special! ❤ from Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

G’day, thnx for watching 😉

[@cheryllyall7217]

I let 2 of my cats outside upstate. My husband would worry. But I would sit in a chair and wait. They would turn up and it seemed like be excited and purring trying to tell me all the things they did. I would place them inside before dark. Cut off time was about 6pm.

[@StoriesOfUs06]

Those cats are adorable!!! Thanks to you and to your darling (kababayan) for taking good care of them. You’ve got tons of snow there already. It’s rain here in Southwestern ON.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Kumusta? Yeah we’re close to the ski resorts so it’s kind of like in the mountains.

[@lyndav129]

Maggie May making air biscuits was my favorite part. lol 🧡 You’re very talented with all that you’ve put into the catio. That’s one lucky bunch of barn cats. 😻 Thanx for sharing!

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Yeah you could see her little pink bean toes

[@melissabattles8648]

Love your cats! Your taking great care of them! Loved this video! ❤️ 😊

[@tamaraq9441]

I agree they are pets. You’re doing an awesome job. You have some lucky cats. ❤

[@helvacihelva]

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.