Ramlah (right) and Salim cleaning up the cages of the rescued cats.
Housewife Ramlah Darus and her husband Salim Dahri’s day starts at 7am when they set out to feed the cats that they rescued from the streets, even before they have their own breakfast.
They would head to the back portion of their house in Taman Perpaduan Koperasi, Ipoh, Perak where they would be greeted by the hungry cries of dozens of kittens.
After feeding them and cleaning their litter boxes, Ramlah would ride her scooter to the market to buy essentials while keeping an eye out for abandoned cats.
If she finds any, she will collect the animal and place it in a cage that she always brings along with her.
Ramlah attending to cats at the shelter that she set up together with her husband.
Meanwhile, Salim, a retired policeman, would head to a shelter near their home, which houses over 150 cats rescued from the market or found on the streets, and feed the animals there as well as clean up the place.
“Sometimes, I travel outside of Ipoh if someone contacts me about an abandoned cat.
“I could choose to rest at home at my age but I can’t bear to see these cats neglected,” Ramlah told Bernama.
When aversion turns to love
Given the couple’s deep devotion to cats, it’s hard to believe they once disliked them intensely.
“We considered them dirty, and I also have asthma,” Ramlah said, adding that everything changed after their second child, Fitri, brought home a black cat which he named Tam.
Some of the cats in the care of the couple.
“I was furious and my husband was against it too.
“However, my son insisted on keeping the cat,” she recalled.
When her son left home to further his studies, she had no choice but to take care of the cat.
Over time, she began to grow fond of it.
“I then secretly started rescuing stray cats and bringing them home.
“My husband initially disapproved but eventually warmed up to the idea,” said Ramlah, who began her cat rescue mission about eight years ago.
The mother of six said as the number of cats grew, caring for them became more challenging.
This prompted the couple to search for a dedicated space to house the cats.
Cat rescuers Ramlah (right) and Salim taking care of the felines at the shelter in Ipoh. — Bernama
“Thank God, someone was kind enough to donate a plot of land nearby for us to build a cat shelter.
“We funded the construction ourselves,” she said, adding that their expenses for the cats had now increased to around RM1,000 a month.
“My husband uses his pension on the welfare of these animals, which we see as a charitable act.
“Thankfully, we also have regular donors who contribute either food or money every month, which greatly helps us continue our mission.”
Group effort
Ramlah said she and her husband established a non-governmental organisation called Persatuan Prihatin Kucing Jalanan Ipoh, Perak last year with like-minded friends and family members who shared their passion.
The association not only provides an opportunity for other activists to join them in their efforts to rescue stray cats but also makes it easier to channel donations from the public.
“Honestly, my husband and I cannot afford to take care of the cats on our own.
Ramlah attending to cats at the shelter that she set up together with her husband.
“Every time I share posts about our activities on social media, some kind-hearted people step forward to contribute,” she said.
The couple’s kindness towards strays has also drawn criticism, as some question why they care for so many cats despite their financial struggles.
“Not everyone agrees with what we’re doing.
“Some neighbours look at us disapprovingly and there are also those who say if we can’t afford it, we shouldn’t be keeping the cats.
“But my husband and I are determined to continue doing this as long as we are able,” said Ramlah.
Fewer asthma attacks
Ramlah said taking care of these animals had positively impacted her life, especially her asthma.
“I’ve had severe asthma since my teenage years but in the last few years, I’ve noticed that my asthma attacks have become less frequent, even when I’m exposed to dust and cat fur.
“Maybe my body has gotten used to being in such an environment.
“Either way, I believe these cats ‘pray’ for the people who take care of them,” she said.
Ramlah also believes that the positive changes in her life, including staying safe from harm, are a result of taking care of these animals.
“If all the good we’re experiencing is a result of caring for these cats, I’m grateful and content,” she said.
Ramlah added that the rising cost of living had also led to an increase in the cats’ food and medical costs.
“We feed them dry food and occasionally, I give them boiled chicken if there is any money left from donations.
“It becomes even more challenging when there are sick or injured cats.
“If they need urgent treatment, I take them to a private veterinary clinic, which can be very expensive.
“We also need funds to maintain the cat shelter.
“To request for donations, I usually do a ‘live’ broadcast on social media.
“There are people who do contribute, but the amount is insufficient,” she said.
To earn some extra money, Ramlah offers boarding services for cats.
Those wishing to donate to the cat shelter can contact Ramlah at 011-3976 4493.
