Feral Cats Get Second Chance At Life Hunting Rodents In Drought
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Rodents are on the rise during California's drought, but Sacramento County is ready to let the cat out of the bag to deal with the problem.
The dry lands of California has led to a pardon of sorts for the caged critters at the Sacramento County Animal Shelter. Instead of being euthanized, feral cats are being put out in the open to hunt down the bounty the drought is attracting—rodents.
Homes and businesses are facing an increase in rodents searching for water. Properties like Camp Pollock, a day-use area along the American River. Inside the main cabin, rodents were crawling through a heating vent.
When barn cats like Ragnar moved in, things changed. Now he's on the prowl and loving life, going from borrowed time to a buffet of sorts.
By adopting a wild cat, people are avoiding less environmentally friendly ways to get rid of rodents.
"Our barn cats program is a safe way to take care of that population," said Kim Nava with Sacramento County. "There's no poison; there's no traps that can harm children or other animals, and it's environmentally friendly, so everyone wins."
Well, everyone but the rodents. But that's quite OK with Ragnar and his new owners who have actually earned his trust.
