Serious illness sidelines police cat, another sought

TROY (AP) — The Troy Police Department says a cat set to be deputized for therapeutic purposes and public appearances has developed a serious illness.

Police say Badges can’t perform the duties because she's been diagnosed with feline leukemia, an often fatal disease that can be transmitted to other cats.

A Humane Society spokeswoman says the group hopes to find a new home for Badges for “as long as she is with us.” The Police Department's "feline handler" has other cats who could be put at risk.

The search is on for another police cat.

Troy police say in a tweet that Badges will always be the department’s “first ‘pawfficer.’”