Next Generation of Railway Cats go to Work
Not all railroad employees wear uniforms, some of them have tails. There’s been a long history of shed cats at railroad stations who keep the rodent population at bay. Now the next generation of railroad cats are hard at work.
At Grossmont Station in the North Yorkshire Moors in the UK there are three new employees, according to Majically. Meet Titch, Clinker, and Ash, three black strays that have found a new home and a new occupation on one of the UK’s heritage railway lines.
“We’ve always had shed cats, for many, many years and they all do a great job for us, looking after the rodent population and being lovely for the public,” Grossmont Station shop supervisor Simon Wall told Majically.
Railroad Cats
When the station’s previous mouser passed away, the railroad staff was searching for a replacement when the trio showed up. They were a perfect fit for both mousing and charming guests.
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For now, the kittens are still in training and learning take-down methods on acorns for catching rodents and entertaining visitors with their antics. They have become immensely popular.
When not on duty, the trio of kittens sleep in an outbuilding which has a cat door, blankets and even a heater, reported the BBC. It’s like a 5-star accommodation for cats.
“They’re there on a night, and they’re always waiting for me on a morning for some breakfast,” Wall told the BBC. “They’re proving a good asset to the railway, and it’s nice we have friendly ones this time.”
Carrying on a Long Tradition
The Grossmont station is located in the middle of the North York Moors National Park, a perfect location for cats to be employed for rodent control.
Titch, Clinker, and Ash are carrying on a forty-year tradition of railroad cats working hard at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Some of the cats, like Felix and Bolt from Huddersfield Station have become quite famous.
Another cat, a tabby named MewPaul is a bit of a celebrity and is recognized as a regular commuter on trains and buses. But move over MewPaul, you have some serious competition from an adorable trio of black cats in Grossmont Station.
