HUMBLE, Texas – An Humble family in the Atascocita South neighborhood had their holiday celebrations derailed by an unusual problem: a colony of up to 30 cats that have taken over their streets.
“We can see from a range of five cats, three cats, five cats up to about 25 to 30 any time during the day,” said Talia Shell, whose mother rents a home in the area.
The growing cat population has created significant issues for the family, forcing them to alter their holiday plans. Shell’s mother even left town to spend the holidays with relatives in Atlanta.
“We weren’t able to decorate, have people over... Same thing for Thanksgiving,” Shell said. “She said, ‘I don’t want anybody to not come to my house because of something that I can’t control.’”
Property and Health Concerns
The cats have created various problems for residents, including property damage and sanitation issues. Shell reports the animals use her landscaping mulch as a litter box and create disturbances with their mating behavior.
“It’s just constant mating going on that you can hear at night,” Shell said.
Looking for a Resolution
Despite reaching out to multiple authorities, the family has struggled to find a solution. The homeowners association (HOA) directed Shell to contact animal control, while Harris County Pets suggested trapping the cats for pickup.
Shell attempted to follow the guidance but encountered obstacles. “They never came and got them and they were in the cage for about a week,” she said. “So that was inhumane of me, you know, to leave the animals like that. So I just let them go again.”
The neighbor responsible for feeding the cats declined to comment.
Both the HOA and Harris County Public Health, which oversees animal control, have been contacted for comment about the situation.
As of this report, KPRC 2 News is waiting to hear back.