chapotraphouse

Tbf to him, cats are an effective solution to rodent problems. They're one of the most cost effective forms of pest control. Cat food is a lot cheaper than mouse traps and rat poison. And when you're working with public money, that matters.

But if you really want to stop a rat problem, look at Alberta's history of rat extermination programs. A common political joke in Alberta is "Proudly Rat Free, except inside the legislature buildings!"

Though if you can't afford or coordinate province/state wide rodent extermination, cats are certainly a cheap way to do something to reduce the problem, that do actually do more than just "be seen to be doing something proactive".