Chicago, Illinois – Despite being named the rattiest city in America for the sixth consecutive year, an animal shelter has devised a feline-friendly, eco-conscious solution.
Introducing the Cats at Work program by the Tree House Humane Society, and it’s as purr-fectly simple as it is genius!
So, here’s the scoop: Feral cats are strategically released in areas plagued by rodents, and it turns out to be an environmentally friendly, and well, purr-fectly genius solution.
The process is humane and methodical. First, the felines are trapped, then they undergo neutering and vaccination at the shelter. Once prepped, they are released in high-rat-infested residential and commercial areas to address the pest issue naturally.
But why is this so paw-some? Well, these cats aren’t cut out for the cozy life indoors, so instead of keeping them in shelters for extended periods or resorting to euthanasia, the Cats at Work program provides them with a new gig—a safe outdoor placement with caretakers. These caretakers take on the responsibility of providing food, water, and shelter, giving the feline workers a life filled with care and love.
What a brilliant way to tackle both the city’s rodent infestation and ensure a good life for these outdoor-loving feline friends!
And the best part? The cats don’t have to be ruthless rat hunters! More than 1000 feral cats have patrolled the streets of Chicago since the program’s inception in 2012.
Sarah Liss of Tree House shared, “We’ve had a lot of our clients tell us that before they had cats, they would step outside their house and rats would actually run across their feet.” She clarified that cats don’t typically consume many rats; instead, they use their pheromones to deter them, effectively keeping the rats away.
Happy cats, happy rats, happy city!
For those interested in adopting a feral cat to join this unique workforce, simply fill out an application on Tree House’s website. It’s a win-win for everyone involved!
