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.