It began with angry Nextdoor posts about “trash pandas” terrorizing University Heights—until residents noticed the real culprit: a massive rat colony thriving in abandoned construction sites. Exterminators failed. Traps went empty. Then someone spotted a battle-scarred orange tabby limping through the alleys, missing an eye but radiating quiet authority.

Our Animal Alliance of San Diego team set up night vision cameras and discovered:

• “Captain” (as locals called him) was a former pet (microchip showed he’d been missing 4 years)

• His clawless left paw explained the limp (likely declawed then abandoned)

• He’d single-pawedly reduced the rat population by 60%

The Rescue No One Saw Coming

When we trapped Captain for medical care, the neighborhood revolted:

• 72 emails demanding his release

• A petition signed by 89 residents

• Homemade posters (“Bring Back Our Rat Patrol!”)

Our compromise? A TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) with benefits:
✓ Vaccinated and treated his severe ear mites
✓ Built weatherproof shelters along his patrol route
✓ Installed community feeding stations (so he wouldn’t eat diseased rats)

The Legend Grows

Today, Captain:

• Has his own Instagram (@UHeightsGuardian) run by the local bodega

• Inspired a youth volunteer program tracking rat hotspots

• Still refuses to enter homes (but accepts belly rubs at his favorite taco shop)

Why Captain’s Story Matters

• Shows how community cats protect neighborhoods better than pesticides

• Proves “unadoptable” animals often have vital roles to play

• Your $30 donation provides:
  • 1 TNR surgery
  • 5 flea treatments
  • A winter shelter for outdoor cats

Be Part of the Solution