The Mabank City Council will not interfere in City Manager Brent Morris’ recent decision to ban Whisper the tabby cat from Tri-County Library.

The cat resided at the library for eight years when a nonprofit group operated the facility. When the City of Mabank took over the library at an estimated cost of $200,000 per year, Morris ordered the cat be ousted.

Many residents criticized city officials for kicking Whisper out of the library, and they attended the City Council meeting Nov. 1 to voice their concerns.

Mayor Jeff Norman said the council would not take a vote on Whisper’s residency. The cat now lives at the home of a library volunteer.

Norman said he shares Morris’ concerns that the cat might represent a liability to the city if someone got scratched, bitten or otherwise became ill.

Whisper’s supporters noted she never caused any problem, and that she should be allowed to remain in the only home she has ever known.

Norman said no animals of any kind will be allowed in the library in the future unless they are trained service animals.

Friends of the Animals provided food and veterinarian services for Whisper during her tenure at the library, where she enjoyed mingling with the patrons.

Library staff put Whisper in the office when any patron complained about her presence possibly affecting allergies.