Rat Week: How bodega cats impact the rat population

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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. More Rat Week Coverage "