Occasionally, supposed barn cats turn out to be the purrfect house cats. Although most are more on the feral side and don’t want to be touched, cats adopted through a barn cat program can also be extremely affectionate, especially to their feeders. And, as we’ve shared before, they don’t necessarily live in barns either. For example, here’s a big kitty named Tank who lives with a custom furniture artist in Justin, Texas.
The Friendliest Cat from the Texas Barn Cat Program
Dean Burris creates the coolest custom furniture that often has a Steampunk look with layers of gears and metalwork.
“I love showing people that old furniture can still have a purpose, even be considered art, and not have to add to our landfills,” Dean says.
Dean and wife Emily are often seen with enormous dogs, including Colossus, the Mastiff. And this dog’s name is no stretch.
But the family also loves cats, too. Their home workshop is surrounded by rural fields that are home to rodents, and barn cats repel them with their mere presence.
The Friendliest Ambassador For the Barn Cat Program
Although Tank came from a barn cat program in Northern Texas, he turned out to be incredibly friendly! As Dean discusses the barn cat program, it’s hilarious to see just how cuddly Tank behaves. And he’s also well-adjusted to life around the huge dogs, going “nose to nose” with Colossus. So it seems Dean hit the jackpot and adopted an ideal cat for the family.
As you can see in the video below, Tank is the cutest ambassador for the barn cat program. But that’s not generally how it works out. Indeed, if you are considering it, know that most times, the cat probably won’t need or want any human touch -ever! Even so, their independent companionship from a distance is enjoyable too!
“Here’s our new Mouse Sheriff. He’s supposed to be feral,” Dean said.
In the video, which went viral on social media, Dean explains how the barn cat programs generally work (see below). But one never expects to receive a cat who wants to be cradled like Dean holds Tank in his arms.
“You’re just so feral!” he jokes.
Video via YouTube/ Dean Furniture Artist:
Of Course the Video Went Viral!
After posting the video about Tank, it went viral overnight. We’re not surprised, and yes, cats rule the internet and probably always will.
“Who wants to have their picture taken with Tank before he is too famous to know you?… The internet really is cat videos,” Dean said.
Many folks found it hilarious that Tank was supposedly “feral,” but he has obviously been someone’s pet before.
There are many reasons an adult former house cat may wind up in a Barn Cat Program. Many times, adult cats, in general, wait for years in overcrowded shelters to find any home. So it’s not surprising that some of them get homes through a barn cat program.
“‘He’s supposed to be feral’ cut to him being cradled in your arms like a baby,” said Mallory C.
“I’m fairly certain he lied on his resume 😂,” joked Somaly H.
“That’s not a feral cat. That’s a thicc fluffy gentleman,” said Sophie.
You can see more on Instagram and Facebook. And find out more about the North Texas Barn Cat Program on Facebook and their website.
