Some rats aren't afraid of cats because they are just as big!

Pet cats are only so helpful in keeping rats away. Some dog breeds make better rat catchers. Photo: dpa

Cats are only so effective in helping control rat populations, according to a report published by researchers in the United States. The study’s findings are based on several months of observing via video cameras a rat colony in New York that was regularly visited by feral cats.

Within 79 days, only two rats were killed, according to the Fordham University researchers. This is despite the fact that up to three cats were in the immediate vicinity of the rat population, which consisted of 120 to 150 rodents, every day.