The Unexpected Guests at Disneyland's Grand Opening

When Disneyland opened its doors in Anaheim, California in 1955, the park welcomed its first guests with grand fanfare. But among those early visitors was a group nobody had invited - a colony of feral cats. These furry interlopers had already made the brand new Sleeping Beauty Castle their home before it was even open as an attraction.

A Perfect Solution to a Rodent Problem

Around the same time, Disneyland faced another challenge - a growing rodent population throughout the park. Instead of removing the cats, Walt Disney saw an opportunity. He decided to keep the felines as unofficial "cast members" with an important job: controlling the park's rodent population.

The arrangement was simple. The cats would have free rein of the park at night to hunt rodents. In exchange, Disneyland would provide them with medical care, feeding stations, and a safe place to live.

The Night Shift Crew

These feline workers strictly operate on the night shift. Because they're feral by nature, most stay far away from crowded areas during operating hours. Park visitors rarely spot them, though lucky guests might catch a glimpse of one of these furry employees taking a break in a quiet corner.

How the Cat Colony Works Today

Currently, about 200 cats call Disneyland home. The park's Circle D Ranch staff takes special care of them. To keep the cat population at a manageable level, Disney follows a trap-neuter-release policy.

Some cats eventually become too comfortable around humans. When this happens, these socialized felines don't get fired - they get adopted by Disney employees, ensuring they remain part of the Disney family.

A Unique Employment Program

This unique workforce program shows Disney's creative problem-solving. Instead of seeing the cats as pests, the company recognized their value and created a mutually beneficial arrangement that has lasted for decades.

The Disneyland cats have become such beloved figures that they now have their own unofficial social media accounts created by fans who spot them. Though they may not wear name tags or costumes, these cats are among the longest-serving members of the Disneyland team.