In a unique fusion of feline instincts and urban pest control, feral cats are finding gainful employment in Seattle’s breweries, notably excelling at keeping unwanted mice at bay. One such black and white cat, C-003, has become a vigilant guardian at Holy Mountain Brewing Company in Seattle’s Interbay neighborhood, strategically positioned to identify and deter any intruders.
C-003 is part of a team of feral cats strategically placed in breweries and industrial sites to address pest-related challenges without resorting to conventional methods like mouse traps or potentially hazardous rat poisons. The concept is rooted in the belief that if barn cats can effectively control mice, city ferals can do the same while securing a safe haven.
Ryan Williams, Holy Mountain’s art director and self-described cat wrangler, explained the practicality of employing cats for pest control. “Mice just kind of come with breweries,” he said. “We have thousands of pounds of grain at any time. Pallets come in and out, so mice can come in on pallets from other places, from God knows where. … It was just really getting out of control – until we got the cats.”
Before the feline workforce was introduced, Holy Mountain faced a daily challenge of catching as many mice as the traps set each day. Now, with cats like C-003 on duty, the brewery has seen a significant improvement in pest control.
Keith Chhum, an investigator with the Environmental Health Services Division, mentioned that while cats are not officially recognized as pest control methods, Holy Mountain has received an “excellent” food safety rating from Public Health — Seattle & King County.
C-003, adhering to Holy Mountain’s nomenclature for equipment, is the third mouser in the brewery, denoted by the ‘003’ in her name. The feral cat arrived with her sister, C-002, but her sibling has been elusive since escaping a few months later.
The initiative is part of the Alley Cat Project, a trap-neuter-return (TNR) group that has found a distinctive role for some feral cats – pest control. The Alley Cat Project focuses on providing safe alternatives for feral cats that cannot be returned to their original locations.
Breweries interested in utilizing these mousers must undergo a screening process conducted by the Alley Cat Project, ensuring a safe environment for the cats. The cats work indoors to protect them from traffic, predators, and other wildlife, excluding mice.
Bickersons Brewhouse in Ballard is another establishment benefiting from a feline workforce. Simcoe, a black and white tuxedo cat, has been a resident since 2022, providing both effective pest control and endearing companionship to staff and customers.
Frank Castro, co-owner and head brewer at Bickersons, appreciates Simcoe’s dual role. “She’s feral when she needs to be, but she likes the attention of people – to a point,” he shared. Simcoe’s Instagram account attests to her popularity, showcasing her fluffy charm and pest-control prowess.
Despite the success of these feline employees, the reality of their feral nature occasionally surfaces. C-003 at Holy Mountain recently went missing after two years of service, prompting efforts to lure her back using traps and treats.
Deborah Sorensen from the Alley Cat Project acknowledged the inherent wildness in these cats. “They still have a little bit of the wildcat still in them,” she said. “I don’t think that even well-socialized cats [like Simcoe] ever lose that. I think they’re all a little bit feral inside.”
The integration of feral cats into Seattle’s breweries not only serves a practical purpose but also highlights the adaptability of these animals in unexpected roles within an urban setting.
