A cat could soon be among those sworn to uphold paw and order in Toledo thanks to some social media sparring between police Chief George Kral and Toledo Fire Department Assistant Chief Karen Marquardt.

Assistant Chief Marquardt challenged Chief Kral on Twitter early Thursday to “get 10,000 followers.” She also said Toledo Fire and Rescue Department has a comfort dog, Smokey, so it only makes sense that police get a comfort cat.

The Toledo Police Department later took up the challenge, saying they’ll adopt a cat if they get 20,000 followers on Twitter.

Help us reach 20k followers and “Chase” will be the first #toledopolice feline. We are partnering with @ToledoHumane on his adoption. RT! @gkraltoledo @TroyMI_Police pic.twitter.com/ufNaLzrAnl

— Toledo Police (@ToledoPolice) March 15, 2018

The challenge comes after the Troy Police Department in Michigan reported it will be getting a police cat after reaching its goal of getting 10,000 followers on its Twitter account. The challenge was issued earlier this month when @TroyMI_police had approximately 4,000 followers.

I challenge @gkraltoledo to get 10,000 followers for @ToledoPolice kitty!#whatwouldHugodo https://t.co/CEIKDpgZAc

— Karen Marquardt (@tfrd112) March 15, 2018

Toledo police responded on Twitter to Assistant Chief Marquardt and said the police cat challenge is now being considered.

Challenge accepted.....working on a response now, stay tuned. https://t.co/KYm8eMhve7

— Chief George Kral (@gkraltoledo) March 15, 2018

Thanks a lot for the #PoliceCat concept, @TroyMI_Police... #toledopolice Chief @gkraltoledo is now being challenged by #TFRD @tfrd112. We are exploring the idea... stay tuned. #PoliceCatAssociationofAmerica pic.twitter.com/wVxlULS8LA

— Toledo Police (@ToledoPolice) March 15, 2018

@gkraltoledo you are already one step ahead..@ToledoPolice already has over 16,000 followers! #MEOW! https://t.co/MRLaJbXCjs

— Karen Marquardt (@tfrd112) March 15, 2018

“We’re considering following Troy’s lead and exploring the options,” said Sgt. Kevan Toney, the Toledo Police Department’s spokesman.

Sergeant Toney said it’s important for community members to be connected with law enforcement agencies on social media because lives can be saved when it comes to crime tips. Information can easily be spread through social media, and the police department has significant made strides to increase its presence on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Contact Allison Reamer at areamer@theblade.com, 419-724-6506 or on Twitter @AllisonRBlade.

First Published March 15, 2018, 5:09 p.m.