Mr. Grant, Working Cat and Heartbeat of Hotel Bravo
So, What’s a Working Cat and How Do You Hire One?
Strictly speaking, a working cat is any cat adopted or ‘hired’ for the purpose of providing environmentally safe rodent control for places like stables, barns, shops, and warehouses. Cats available through shelter Working Cat Programs are typically not suited to indoor living and are therefore not available for standard adoption. The Working Cat Program gives otherwise unadoptable shelter cats a second chance at a new life. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship and an excellent example of interspecies cooperation.
Of course, it’s true that rodent control comes naturally to almost all cats. But there are some felines who are uniquely qualified to fulfill a higher purpose. Think: Upper Management. And while Mr. Grant is an excellent mouser, he performs many other functions which we feel are vital to a sanctuary like ours. At Hotel Bravo, we strive to create an environment of peace and rehabilitation. And this is where Mr. Grant’s unique talents really shine.
“…more than just the Night Watchman.
Mr. Grant is the heartbeat that sets the
tempo, rhythm, and vibe at Hotel Bravo.”
You see, Mr. Grant had a tough go at life before ending up at the shelter as a cruelty confiscation. But he’s never let that hold him back. In fact, his indomitable spirit coupled with his past is precisely what makes him such a valuable asset to us. In essence, he’s the litmus by which we monitor and maintain the environment here. And that’s why he’s more than just the Night Watchman. Mr. Grant is the heartbeat that sets the tempo, rhythm, and vibe at Hotel Bravo.
First Impressions Matter - The First Interview and How We Met
May 2019, Mr. Grant at IACS on the first day that we met.
Mr. Grant and I first met in 2019 while I was taking adoption photos of cats at IACS. I vividly recall being hissed at by this wispy ginger tabby fella who was huddled up inside a cardboard box. But even as he hissed, I could tell that he was a gentle soul. There was no malice in his heart. And after proper introductions and some tasty treats, he posed for his portrait.
As a shelter photographer, one of my greatest hopes is that one of my portraits touches the right soul and a match is made. And in this case, I wasn’t immune to my own charms. To this day, that portrait of him still touches my heart deeply.
He nailed his first interview.
From Scrappy Shelter Cat to Junior VP of Hotel Bravo!
It wasn’t until about two months later that we eventually decided to foster Mr. Grant. He hadn’t had any luck getting adopted at the shelter because he hissed any time anyone got close to him. Holding him was out of the question. Brushing him was near impossible. And he didn’t want to be anywhere near your feet if you were standing. He would run and hide when anyone entered the room.
My wife and I decided to intervene and foster Mr. Grant, hoping that a change in environment would help him heal. And after spending some time here, both in our home and in Hotel Bravo, it became quite clear that Hotel Bravo was exactly where he wanted to be. So, we hired him!
It’s typical for shelters with Working Cat Programs to require that they be adopted in pairs. But in Mr. Grant’s case, he wasn’t going to be alone at Hotel Bravo. He was going to be the host and feline ambassador for Hotel Bravo and its residents.
Since then, Mr. Grant’s progress has been remarkable. The hissing finally stopped. He loves getting bushed. He no longer cowers when someone enters the room. In fact, he now runs to greet us every time he sees us. All the while, chirping like a madman. It’s sorta like being bear-hugged by a naked cherub. =)
Mr. Grant is a very vocal fella, and he makes the most unusual sounds; a combination of trills, coos, and high-pitched squeaks. His happiness is not only obvious, it’s contagious. His bubbly persona seems to set everyone at ease, and it seems to really help the other residents heal and come out of their shells. And you can tell he’s so proud of his new life. He’s certainly found his niche, his true calling.
Mr. Grant - Junior Vice-President of Operations, Hotel Bravo
There are many facets to Mr. Grant’s duties here at Hotel Bravo. And keep in mind, these are mostly self-appointed duties. Some are quite tangible, such as The Night Watchman, Vector Control Coordinator, and Quartermaster. While others are more subtle or esoteric in nature; duties like Morale Officer and Emotional Support Specialist.
As the Junior Vice-President of Operations, Mr. Grant sets the climate at Hotel Bravo and oversees daily affairs. He’s also inspired an upcoming t-shirt fundraiser. In fact, it will be Hotel Bravo’s first official fundraiser and a tribute to working cats everywhere.
Stay tuned!
Interested in The Working Cat Program?
If you’re in the Indianapolis area and interested in adopting a Working Cat or Barn Cat, then you have a few options. First off, you can visit Indy Neighborhood Cats and fill out an application. Indy Neighborhood Cats’ mission is to improve the quality of life for unowned neighborhood cats and the community they live. And sometimes, due to circumstances out of their control, these cats need to find a new place to live. The Working Cat Program is an excellent outlet and lifesaver. Indy Neighborhood Cats also coordinates with Indianapolis Animal Care Services and Indy Humane, making sure that none of our feline friends are overlooked.
Alternately, you can contact the Community Cat Coordinator at Indianapolis Animal Care Services: taylor.robey@indy.gov or visit Indy Humane for more info or to fill out an application.
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About the Author...
Andrew Tribby
