Unwanted cats find purpose

Troubled felines get second chance as urban pest control

PHILADELPHIA Gary wasn’t used to being around people. He didn’t like being touched or even looked at. He was perfect for the job. Because at the Working Cats program, no manners is no problem.

Philadelphia’s Animal Care and Control Team established the program about four years ago to place unadoptable cats — the biters and the skittish, the swatters — into jobs as mousers at barns or stables.

The shelter recently expanded the program to move troubled cats into urban jobs at places like factories and warehouses as a sort of green pest control. The animals are microchipped, vaccinated and free of charge.

“Part of the reason cats became domesticated was to get rid of the rodent population,” said Ame Dorminy, ACCT’s spokeswoman. “We took advantage of their natural propensity to hunt and made an official program out of it.”

Program cats are kept in a separate aisle at the shelter in a row called TTA, time to adjust. Just because cats don’t want to be petted or snuggle on a lap doesn’t mean they can’t have good lives, Dorminy said.

“A lot of these cats feel more comfortable when they can be themselves and use natural behaviours,” she said. “Then they’re more open to human interaction because they feel more confident.”

At Bella Vista Beer Distributors, mice were gnawing on bags of chips overnight, ruining about 15 bags a day, owner Jordan Fetfatzes said. Fetfatzes eventually decided on Gary, a white male that had “behavioural issues.” Gary would hiss from the crate and at first he would stay in the office and would only go into the warehouse after hours.

As the weeks passed, he warmed up to workers and customers, and has transformed into a sweet, playful mascot with free rein of the store.

“My only complaint is sometimes he gets in the way of a transaction,” said Fetfatzes, who describes himself as a “dog guy” turned in to a cat lover thanks to Gary.

As for the mice, they vanished, seemingly repelled by Gary’s scent, Fetfatzes said. “You’re not only saving your business money, you are helping save the life of an unwanted pet.”

Todd Curry wasn’t exactly sure what was inside the dumpster next door to the Emerald Windows showroom, but it seemed like a free buffet for rats.

They brought in Shelley from ACCT’s program. Soon, dismembered rat carcasses started appearing.

And Shelley has come out of her shell, craving petting and attention, Curry said.

“The only reason she was here was for the rats, but it has turned into a lot more than that,” he said.

“It’s nice to see these cats put to use, not put down.”