for a heated water bowl and a small warming area during winter. Food costs run around $300 per year.
Rob often clarifies misconceptions: the cats don’t need to eat the rats to be effective—in fact, they usually don’t. Their scent, presence, and territorial behavior alone send rodents packing. Likewise, having cats does not eliminate the need for professional extermination, but it dramatically reduces the frequency and severity of rodent issues. “We still use Smithereen, but they’re nowhere near as busy as they used to be,” he says. The CAW program is not only a humane and eco-friendly solution but also a feature of the community. And for Rob, and the Parc Chestnut, the modest costs and daily care are more than worth the transformation in the park and the peace of mind for residents.
Could My Condo Have Animal Employees Too? Condo boards looking to explore the cat option can contact Tree House Humane Society to schedule a site evaluation. The CAW team will help determine if your property is a good fit, help you set up acclimation enclosures, and provide ongoing support. Cats typically stay near their food source—making them loyal, low-maintenance “staff members.”
And who’s to say goats couldn’t make a suburban appearance, too? Goats On The Go have affiliates that serve the northwest suburbs. Some large properties outside of Illinois with excessively wild green roofs or retention areas have experimented with seasonal goat grazing, turning maintenance days into resident-friendly events
The Bigger Picture: Nature and Neighborhoods in Harmony
From downstate pastures to downtown alleys, Illinois’ animal employees are proving that nature and infrastructure can work hand in hoof—or paw. Programs like ComEd’s goat initiative and Tree House’s Cats at Work show that sustainable solutions don’t always require new technology; sometimes, they just require letting animals do what they do best.
Whether it is goats keeping our power lines clear or cats keeping our condo parks and courtyards mouse-free, these partnerships remind us that progress can be both practical and surprisingly heartwarming. So next time you spot a goat on a barge or a cat sunning itself near a loading dock, remember—they’re not just cute. They are on the clock.
52 | COMMON INTEREST®
• Spring 2026 • A Publication of CAI-Illinois Chapter
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