They go by names such as Precious, Cuddles and Peaches. But
these Hollister animals aren’t cuddly or peachy after owners
release them into the streets each night.
This is the first story in a Free Lance exclusive series exposing an organized group of estranged cats in the streets of Hollister.
They go by names such as Precious, Cuddles and Peaches. But these Hollister animals aren’t cuddly or peachy after owners release them into the streets each night.
An underworld of cats, according to documents obtained by the Free Lance, has been meeting at mysterious locations and wreaking havoc from dusk until dawn for several years.
Police would not confirm the allegations, and animal control did not return several phone calls. One key police official who demanded anonymity responded, “You’re a moron, Kollin. I’ve got my eye on you.”
An assortment of documents, however, describe activities such as marking territory, lewd and lascivious acts, indecent exposure, urinating in sandboxes and prowling.
A retired police officer – while drinking bourbon at the Whiskey Creek Saloon on Sunday – revealed five suspected meeting points for the reported 30 to 90 animals, which he referred to as having “above average intelligence” for cats.
The retired officer also said he likes to play the banjo and he couldn’t remember his name.
The suspected spots include two alleys downtown, the sewer ponds, the roof of the Briggs Building and the steps of City Hall.
A Free Lance reporter disguised in black clothing staked out each suspected location on consecutive nights during the past week. The reporter laid trails of catnip surrounding the sites.
About a dozen suspicious cats walked nearby, and one popped its head out of a garbage can. But no organized meetings occurred.
When the reporter attempted to communicate with several cats, the animals declined comment by either running away or swatting at the reporter’s head.
After hearing about the problem from the newspaper, Hollister leaders are now considering a task force to consider enforcement options. Councilman Tony LoBue said the problem has “a real potential” for disaster.
“I’m concerned with the underworld of cats,” LoBue said. “We’re looking into building a whole new animal shelter for it.”
The city and the county, according to LoBue, must work together to solve the problem. He mentioned the “Litter Box Task Force” as a potential name for the Council committee.
If the city doesn’t eliminate the cat underworld soon, according to LoBue, the levels of violence, drug use and gang activity in the city will increase.
As county marshal, Councilman Robert Scattini often patrols the streets during night hours. Whenever he drives by cats, he said, “they look at me very suspiciously.”
Mayor Brian Conroy offered a theory on problem.
“Due to their underworld nighttime activities, cats are friendly, relaxed and sleepy during the day – leading one to believe this to be their true nature at all times. I am not fooled by it.”
A local resident who owns 75 cats in her garage-sized home called the allegations “absurd.” She requested anonymity.
“I don’t own cats!” she said. “They are part of my family – all 75 of these furry creatures. Now leave me alone, as it is time to bathe my kitties.”
Reaction from Hollister residents varied over the weekend. Hollister resident Gary Goularte said the city should ban the sale of catnip.
Most people interviewed, however, either declined comment or told the reporter he should consider getting help.
For now, whether residents or officials believe the problem exists, the cats are allegedly continuing their ransacking behavior.
“This is a cat-astrophe,” said the retired police officer while laughing.
He stumbled out of Whiskey Creek and promised to return with the culprits.
