Grain-guarding cats make mark at brewery

Long after Apocalypse's owners leave for the day, Hiro and Saki remain, guarding the brewery's grain against unwelcome intruders.

Or probably just sleeping.

Like distilleries that use cats to protect their products, Apocalypse adopted the pair of rescued cats from the Kentucky Humane Society's working cat program six months ago to end a mouse problem. But after learning the mere smell of themselves will drive mice from the brewery's warehouse, the cats have taken more to lounging on brewer Leah Dienes' bag as she works and letting co-owner Bill Krauth know when they want attention.

"They don't have to really do anything," Dienes said. "They were supposed to be semi-feral, but no, they're friendly. They're friendly cats."

Dienes is well-known in the Louisville craft beer scene as an expert brewer ready to offer advice and assistance any chance she gets. She frequently judges home brewing competitions and is a member of the Beer Judge Certification Program.

Dienes' love for and knowledge of beer is evident when talking on the subject, but with the introduction of the cats, it's clear it's no longer her only passion.

As she brews, Dienes often finds herself Instagramming pictures of Hiro and Saki — named for Hiroshima and Nagasaki, cities that were destroyed by atomic bombs during World War II — instead photos of the beer, and she makes sure the pair are well-cared for.

Dienes has made each cat its own bed and built a "feral cat shelter" for them to cuddle in when the weather gets cold.

She laughs as she scrolls through her Instagram account, pointing to photos of Saki atop bags of grain and Hiro basking in the sun.

"I want their job," Dienes said.

Reach reporter Bailey Loosemore at (502) 582-4646. Follow her on Twitter at @bloosemore.