Rat Week: How bodega cats impact the rat population

News 12 is looking at how bodega cats impact the rat population at your local store.

Valerie Ryan

Sep 10, 2024, 10:25 AM

Updated 23 days ago

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News 12 visited various bodegas in the Bronx and found that not every store had a cat - but all of the employees agreed that cats help keep the rats out.
The Department of Sanitation says citywide rat sightings have decreased this year compared to last, ​thanks to containerization of trash.
However, employees at a Soundview bodega say the store's black-and-white kitten named Michi keeps unwanted visitors out.
Pearla Paulino says she's witnessed Michi kill big rats, cockroaches and birds.
Another bodega employee says he's worked in five different stores - and having a cat is non-negotiable.
Other people News 12 spoke to off camera say it's a health hazard for people with cat allergies, but still bodega employees say without cats, the rats win.