An animal rescue center in Dublin has gone viral for its bold and humorous approach to rehoming cats that prefer solitude over snuggles.
On May 14, the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) posted a tongue-in-cheek adoption ad on Facebook that asked, “Are you looking for a cat who won’t love you?” Alongside the question was a photo of a hissing cat, perfectly capturing the mood of their more independent feline residents.
These cats, described as “not quite feral, but not quite house pets,” are part of a group DSPCA staff call “Community Cats” or “Inbetweeners.”
“They’re not big on affection, but they still rely on people for food and shelter,” said Colm, the head of cat operations at DSPCA, who spoke to Newsweek using only his first name.
The post explained that these cats thrive in outdoor settings like barns and stables, where they can “live and judge you as they please.” In return, adopters receive rodent control, occasional angry hissing, and a cat who won’t try to sit on their lap—but will patrol the property with dedication.
“They’re great cats, and each has their own quirky personality,” said Colm. “The Facebook post was a fun way to highlight them and get people thinking differently about what it means to adopt.”
The campaign struck a chord online, gathering more than 1,500 likes and dozens of comments from cat owners who shared their experiences with similar pets.
“I adopted a cat from DSPCA and was told he wouldn’t be affectionate—he turned into a teddy bear after a year,” one user shared.
Another joked: “Two of mine tolerate me, one allows pets if there’s food, and the others will try to eat your hand off.”
Colm said the response has been “fantastic,” with many people reaching out to learn more. Several of the cats featured are now being considered for adoption, and more are expected to be available soon.
Cats like these, often called “barn cats” in the U.S., are common in rural areas where their hunting skills are valued. While they may not want human affection, they thrive with access to shelter and the freedom to roam.
“These cats are a great option for farms or stables,” Colm said. “They may never want to sit on your lap, but they’re lovely to have around. Over time, they might even follow you from a distance.”
Ultimately, the campaign proves that every cat deserves a home—even those that prefer to love from afar.
