Resident twin felines earn their keep at garden center in Allegheny Township

Joyce Hanz | Tuesday, February 22, 2022 12:01 a.m.

Joyce Hanz | Tribune-Review

Twins Ashley and Mary-Kate, 15, are the resident felines at Kiski Garden Center in Allegheny Township. Both cats have lived at the garden, feed and pet supply business their entire lives and earn their keep by mousing and interacting with customers.

Two cats are earning their keep in Allegheny Township.

Mary-Kate and Ashley are 15-year-old twins living permanently at the Kiski Garden Center.

The cats originally were brought to a former New Kensington store, Arnold Feed and Garden, by store manager Linda Ban when they were 6 weeks old.

Ban brought in the Siamese and tabby mixed-breed furry bundles with the hope they would prove to be proficient mousers.

“They caught five mice their first day there,” Ban said.

She named them after the child actors Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, twin sisters who played a single character on the popular TV show “Full House.”

Owner Dave Vargo said the former store had lots of straw, and that would attract mice. Mary-Kate and Ashley quickly became valued unofficial staff members.

The duo relocated to his other location at 991 South Leechburg Hill Road three years ago when Vargo closed the New Kensington location. Kiski Garden Center sells a wide range of garden and home products, along with pet supplies.

“Mary-Kate is our social one and loves the customers, and Ashley is a bit more reserved,” Ban said.

Mary-Kate likes to hang out near the pet food aisles.

“They always get treats from shoppers,” Ban said.

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During a recent visit, first-time shopper Greg Kelley of West Leechburg quickly bonded with Mary Kate.

“She’s a loving cat,” said Kelley, holding Mary-Kate. “It’s a perk to have a cat here, especially when you’re selling pet supplies.”

Mary-Kate often is spotted near the entrance, keeping watch. She greets customers by meowing loudly and rolling around on the ground.

“She does that to get attention. She’s goofy and calming, and she makes me laugh,” Ban said of having her around.

Some customers stop in just to see Mary-Kate, Ban said, and many a selfie has been taken with her.

Both cats have impressive mousing skills and are known to hunt outside of their job requirement at the garden center, which is set on several acres.

“They bring up chipmunks, snakes, rabbits and moles,” Ban said.

Seasonal employee Suzanne Dees of Allegheny Township enjoys working alongside Mary-Kate.

“She’s cool,” Dees said. “The customers get a kick out of her interacting with everyone. It brings a little flavor to the business.”

Ashley prefers taking a back seat to her sister’s outgoing personality.

“Ashley sleeps a lot but does come out in the afternoon for a snack,” Ban said. “She just hasn’t aged as well as Mary-Kate.”

During the spring, both cats sometimes favor the greenhouse because they’re attracted to the straw.

“They like that heat, it’s comfy. The greenhouse is warm,” Ban said.

The furry duo isn’t often seen together, but on a recent visit, Vargo held both cats in his lap.

“They’re hard to tell apart, but Mary-Kate weighs more,” he said.

Customers ask lots of questions about “the girls,” Ban said. “And people always say, ‘I remember when they were little kittens,’ and they have a big fan club from the old New Kensington store.”

In October, Vargo announced his forthcoming retirement and listed the Kiski Garden Center for sale. Mary-Kate and Ashley come with the business.

“They’ve lived at the store since they were kittens,” Vargo said. “They’re happy, and that’s all they know. Why change their environment?”