LAPD Gets Cats to Scare Rats

The LAPD is using six feral felines to shoo away pesky rats and mice from its lots, the Los Angeles Times reports. The mangy, homeless creatures can't be broken in as house pets, so an animal rescue group placed them with the city’s finest to control its rodent problem. “Once we got the cats, problem solved,” said one captain.

The tomcats rarely snatch prey, but a whiff of feline or its urine is enough to terrify the rodents. Only one snag remains: The cats' caretaker, an officer herself, has to pay the $100-a-month-bill to feed them. "That is a glitch right now," said the animal rescue group founder. "I'm working with the LAPD to put that in their budget." (More feral cats stories.)