IG039: Residential Cat Care and Management Guidelines for MSU Agricultural Facilities
IACUC Guideline Number: IG039, Approved By: IACUC, Approval Date: 8/13/2026, Version: 1
Background:
The 4th edition of the Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching (Ag Guide) states that free-roaming cats are not to be used as a routine method of rodent control in agricultural facilities as they can interfere with rodent-control programs, create hygiene and accident hazards, and serve as potential reservoirs or vectors for zoonotic diseases. Alternative, integrated pest-management strategies should be used.
Where cats are present, their management should minimize contact with agricultural animals, feed, bedding, equipment, and work areas. Cats are to be maintained with updated vaccination and preventive-health programs, have identification and ownership records, and procedure in place for managing stray or feral cats. Personnel should also be trained to recognize and safely report signs of potentially zoonotic disease.
Purpose:
This guideline outlines recommended practices for the routine care, health management, and well-being of cats residing at MSU agricultural facilities.
Definitions:
Agricultural Facility: An MSU agricultural facility including AgBioResearch Centers, Extension sites, farms, and other off-campus or independently managed facilities.
Resident Cat: A cat that is not owned by MSU but has been formally accepted into the facility’s care. Catchability and documented proof of care distinguish a resident cat from a non-resident, free-roaming cat. The facility is responsible for the daily and veterinary care of resident cats.
Resident Cat Care:
A cat will be designated as a resident when facility management accepts responsibility for the animal, the cat can be safely caught and handled, and ongoing veterinary care has been established and is documented
Resident cats must:
- Receive appropriate food daily and have continuous access to fresh, clean water.
- Be routinely monitored for changes in body condition score and overall health.
- Receive an initial veterinary evaluation and annual veterinary care.
- Be vaccinated, spayed or neutered, microchipped, dewormed, and provided other preventive care as recommended by the veterinarian.
- Have timely veterinary care when illness or injury is suspected.
An established veterinarian-client-patient relationship must be maintained. Veterinary contact information must be readily available to staff, and records are to include examination dates, vaccinations, preventive care, and diagnostic or treatment information.
Cats are not to be used as the method of rodent control. Contact between sheep and goats and unwanted animals or vermin, including birds, rodents, insects, and feral cats, should be avoided whenever possible.
Non-Resident and Unapproved Cats
Free-roaming cats that cannot be safely or reasonably captured and do not have documented proof of care are not considered resident cats. They should not be intentionally incorporated into the resident cat population or provided food. Although free-roaming cats may occasionally move through the property or access resident cat food, staff are not responsible for their care beyond avoiding harm during normal operations.
Facilities should make reasonable efforts to discourage unwanted cats from entering or remaining on the property. Unapproved cats that can be safely captured should be transferred to a local animal shelter or appropriate animal welfare organization.
Budget and Resources
Before accepting resident cats, facilities should consider budgeting for food, routine and emergency veterinary care, preventive treatments, and other basic needs necessary to provide consistent care.