Each month, Nor Azhar spends RM5,000 of his own money for the upkeep of some 260 cats at the shelter.
SEVEN years ago, the Cat Tiram Shelter (CAT) started out with four stray cats.
Today, it is a sanctuary for some 260 felines.
Located in Kampung Sungai Tiram, Ulu Tiram in Johor, the sanctuary was started by former bank executive Nor Azhar Abdul Hamid.
“I cannot bear to see stray and abandoned cats roaming our streets, markets, eateries and housing areas,” said Nor Azhar, who feels it is his duty to provide a proper place for such cats.
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The shelter, located 23.4km from Johor Baru, was built in 2016.
“The 1.69ha land belongs to my mother-in-law and I spent about RM70,000 to start the shelter,” he said.
Nor Azhar, 52, said some of the cats were rescued by him while others were brought to him by the public or rescued by the Pasir Gudang and Tebrau fire stations.
He said unlike other animal shelters, CAT did not accept pet cats surrendered by their owners.
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“In the first place, they should not have pets in their homes if they are unable to care for them,” he opined.
He said a couple came to the shelter to surrender 25 cats about three weeks ago but he refused them as they were not strays.
The couple were unhappy and lodged a report with the Johor Veterinary Department claiming that the cats at the shelter were malnourished and ill-treated.
“Officers from the department paid us a surprise visit and upon inspections, they declared that we were providing good care,” said Nor Azhar.
Instead of relying on public donations, he forks out about RM5,000 monthly to run the shelter but will accept contributions of cat food from well-wishers.
“I prefer not to accept money from the public because I don’t want people to question how I spend their money,’’ he said.
Instead, Nor Azhar encourages visitors to adopt the cats.
For each adoption, the shelter accepts a 30kg bag of kibble, which can last for 180 days.
CAT can be contacted at 013-748 5544.
