NKU to Remove Beloved Stray Cats from Campus

University cites health and safety concerns, prompting backlash from community

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Northern Kentucky University has announced plans to remove a colony of stray cats living near the Landrum Academic Center, citing health and safety concerns. The cats, which have been cared for by students and staff for years, have become beloved members of the NKU community. This decision has prompted an online petition and outcry from those who want the cats to remain on campus.

Why it matters

The removal of the stray cats from NKU's campus has sparked a debate over the university's responsibility to the well-being of the animals versus the potential health and safety risks their presence may pose. This highlights the complex issues surrounding stray animal populations on college campuses and the need to balance community interests with institutional policies.

The details

According to university officials, the stray cats living near the Landrum Academic Center are being removed due to concerns about attracting wildlife, affecting those with allergies, and interfering with building systems. Maintenance crew and staff members who have been caring for the cats were given until February 27 before local animal shelters are called in to remove them. However, this decision has prompted a strong response from the NKU community, with an online petition organized by an anthropology student citing the 'unethical and incredibly harmful' consequences of removing the cat colony.

  • The stray cats have been living under Landrum for three years.
  • NKU officials gave staff and maintenance workers until February 27 to remove the cats before calling in local animal shelters.

The players

Northern Kentucky University

A public university located in Highland Heights, Kentucky, that is home to a colony of stray cats on its campus.

Natalie Brown

An anthropology student at NKU who organized an online petition to keep the stray cats on campus.

Rachel Paxitzis

A BFA student at NKU who made a cat house for the stray cats in the Fall semester of 2025.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“These cats are beloved by many and cause no harm to anyone or anything. This is wrong and we need to show NKU how much the cats are wanted here.”

— Natalie Brown, Anthropology student (The Northerner)

“The Landrum cats have been a part of the NKU family for several years. NKU students and staff have volunteered countless hours to feed them and create shelters for them...All of the cats have been fixed and have had vaccinations. These animals were discarded and neglected and now they have a home and are well cared for. They have created a sense of community for students and staff.”

— Rachel Paxitzis, BFA student (The Northerner)

What’s next

The university is working with local animal-care partners to pursue humane solutions that support the cats' well-being, and has asked that no more food or supplies be left in the area near Landrum Academic Center.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the complex issues surrounding stray animal populations on college campuses, where community interests and institutional policies can clash. While the university cites health and safety concerns, the strong response from the NKU community demonstrates the deep attachment and sense of community the stray cats have fostered on campus.