SPRINGFIELD, IL. (AP) — The future of feral cat colony at the University of Illinois-Springfield Campus is in question after employees and students have been ordered to no longer feed the animals.

University administrators cited health and sanitation concerns in issuing the order.

But mathematics instructor Carol Saltsgaver is expressing doubts about the administration’s reasoning. She points out the approximately 30 cats don’t bother anybody, although they know humans feed them. She says the cat mostly run away when approached by humans.

A university spokesman said by putting out food for the feral cats, people are also attracting wild animals, which could bite someone or spread disease.

Despite the warning, Saltsgaver says she plans to continue feeding the cats.