Neighbors say they're fed up with 'zombie' cat invasion in Inglewood neighborhood

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (KABC) -- Residents in an Inglewood neighborhood say they are fed up with a cat invasion in their neighborhood, which they believe is attracting coyotes to the area.

"I would call it a cat -- some type of zombie thing that's going on," said neighbor Dennis Gary.

Gary says when night falls in his Inglewood neighborhood, it's like a stray cat zombie apocalypse. He says he's witnessed upwards of 100 cats prowling the neighborhood.

"Not scared of people that's walking around. Something is wrong," Gary said.

Eyewitness News spotted animal services in the neighborhood, knocking on doors and investigating the problem.

A resident fed up with the cats invading the community sent Eyewitness News pictures of the cats out and about in people's yards. Gary says sometimes late at night, it's as if the cats literally knock on his door.

"It was 1 o'clock in the morning, and I'm hearing scratches, and I'm wondering, 'What is this?'" Gary said. "So I open the door, and the cats just scatter like roaches."

"It's a nuisance because they run around through the neighborhood and behind your house and everything," said neighbor Bruce Brown.

Residents believe someone in the neighborhood has been overfeeding the cats, attracting them to the area.

Eyewitness News talked to one person who wanted her identity shielded. She says over the last several months, the cats have multiplied to the point where she can't enjoy a cool night on her porch.

"They come out in droves, and it's awful. It's really awful. We can't enjoy our retirement, can't sit on our porch, can't get in and out of our cars, without looking down to see if there's something crawling on your ankles," she said.

Residents say the so-called cat infestation is only one part of the problem. The other issue is that the cats are attracting coyotes.

Eyewitness News spotted cat remains in one resident's yard. It's the result of a coyote attack, which was caught on surveillance video. The neighbor says coyotes have been spotted roaming the neighborhood in packs, looking to dine on a buffet of cats.

L.A. Animal Services is investigating. They sent the following statement to Eyewitness News on Friday:

"Today, Animal Control Officers visited the property and Animal Control Officers will be following up with the resident to ensure that they are in compliance with city ordinances and offer resources.

The City is contacting trusted partner organizations who may be able to assist with spay and neuter services for the animals. Vouchers for spay and neuter costs are available via the Citywide Cat Program. Learn more about the Citywide Cat Program at laanimalservices.com/citywide-cat-program"