{ 10:58 PM on 'Interview with Rei Kimura: Author of Memoirs of a Community Cat' }
A couple weeks ago, I received a message from Rei about her lovely book, titled Memoirs of a Community Cat! It tells from the perspective of a community cat Abby.
Rei kindly agreed to do an interview for our readers:
1) Can you give our readers a brief summary of your latest book?
First of all, this is the synopsis which will give readers some idea what this book is about and how the story line goes.
This book is touching, poignant and at the same time laced with an ascerbic sense of humor told by a community cat on how he sees and lives his life and the love hate realtionship with humans and is a book suitable for most ages from low teens to adults and may instil awareness in the community that community cats are not pests but actually warm living creatures with hearts, feelings and a capacity to love and have fun if given a chance.
SYNOPSIS
This is a heartwarming story told by Abby, a veteran stray cat who insists “We are not strays, we are community cats! Just as humans are citizens of their countries, we are citizens of the communities we live in!”
It brings to life the many stray cats who live in almost every community giving each cat featured in this book a face, a heart, feelings, thoughts and the same fears and happiness of the humans who can make their lives a blessing or a curse.
Abby, the macho yellow male cat walks us through his very colorful adventures and experiences as he and his siblings and friends live each day to the fullest of their nine lives, never knowing whether they will be alive at the end of the day! There is never a dull moment and some harrowing matching of wits with those who hate their very existence and believe that community cats should neither be seen nor heard!
The lead star of this witty community cat drama is Abby, strong, arrogant and adventurous, he is the boss and what he says goes! Then there is Choc, his brother, good natured, sanguine and a perfect gentleman who is wise and calm beyond his cat years!
It has even been said that a woman would choose Abby for a lover and Choc for a solid dependable husband!
There is Calico, Abby’s friend and “crush,” pretty, precocious with a temper to match and her direct antithesis, Sister, a surly, snarling aging matriarch of the neighboring cluster of community cats whom Abby calls “the ugliest and meanest feline that ever existed.”
Each cat is a vibrant character of its own that you will mostly love as they share their lives with you. There is this rhetoric that every creature is created for a purpose so what on earth are community cats created for? Perhaps to bring out the compassion and better qualities in humans manifested here in the much loved “feeders” who feed and care for them, giving of their time and money to make the lives of these less fortunate creatures of God, tolerable.
The bond and love between feeder and community cat is very poignantly shared here and as Abby put it, “God, did everyone think that the only relationship between our feeders and us is food? Didn’t they know that we become attached to our caregivers as well and that’s why we wait eagerly the whole day for them to come so that we could have that little pat on the head, that ruffling of the fur or that nagging about not being choosy about food and our 30 minutes or so of love.”
“People came and went as and when they could and we were expected to deal with that, get over that emotional and missing someone we had become close to and loved stuff and just accept what and who came next. We were, after all, community cats, the lowest tier in the hierarchy of the cat society and that humiliating reality depressed me so much I crawled into the deep drain hole that had been our childhood home and cried for Helen. It just wasn’t fair that people, even our most beloved feeders, think that it doesn’t matter who comes to feed us because ultimately, it was just food we needed. But it does matter, it really does!
But in the morning, I woke up with a burning determination to survive and live on, we had a right to be in our community and we weren’t going anywhere because this was our home too!”
2) What motivated you to publish this book?
What motivated me to write this book? Wow, ever since I can remember, I have always loved animals especially cats and dogs. As a child, I would bring home strays I found cared for them and found homes for them and as our mini "zoo" in the house grew, my mother was exasperated but she was an animal lover too and didnt have the heart to say NO! So I grew up surrounded by cats and at least a dog or two and I believe caring for them made me a compassionate and responsible person.
Of course when I got to know a couple of feeders caring for 9 com cats in my area I offered to help every time I was in Singapore, usually quite often so they could get some rest. I grew to really love these cats and saw how "human" they were and it was quite awful that some people regarded them as pests and didnt care taht they needed food and help! Also I met a number of feeders and got to know some animal shelters here and saw how much of a struggle it is without government support to raise funds to feed and care for the com cats. i contribute to their food funds as much as I can but its never enough.
So I decided to write about these lovely intelligent com cats to raise funds for their care and also to educate the public. This book is intended not only to benefit the community cats in food fund contributions but also to give them a voice, a face, their own stories to tell and hopefully instil in the public greater tolerance of their existence as they have nowhere else to go!
3) Do you have any cats and/or other pets?
Yes I have a pomeranian dog called Eric (I wrote a book about him too "My Name is Eric" ) and I would really love to have a cat but Eric is very possessive and will never allow a cat into the house, sad to say. But many many years ago I did adopt a cat called Frisky from a construction site in Singapore and brought her back to Japan where she was very much loved and lived to the ripe old age of 18! I cannot imagine a life with at least 1 pet!
4) How different are cats from Singapore and Japan? Are they pampered the same here as their neko counterparts?
I think cats are pretty much the same whether they are in Singapore or in Japan except that Japanese cats are much bigger and furrier in part perhaps of the weather. Frisky was a typical Singapore short hair cat but after I brought her back to Japan, in the cold season her fur grew longer and much thicker because of the climate change, I was quite amazed to discover that.
Japanese people love cats very clear in the number of cat cafes, accessories, clothes etc featuring cats and I am sure you have heard of the famous cat islands in Japan where cats outnumber the humans who stay there to fish and look after them! I think cats are very popular in Japan as pets because Japanese houses and apartments are small and its easier and more manageable to keep cats than dogs. And oh yes, house cats are very much pampered and there are all kinds of accessories created for them, clothes, shoes, even sunglasses in summer to protect their eyes!!!
5) Will you follow up with a second community cat book?
I would really love to write a sequel to this book and will be observing other com cats to build up stories to write about them.
Memoirs of a Community is now available in all 4 (Orchard; Ĺiang Court, Bugis and Jurong) Kinokuniya bookstores under the Japanese literature department. Part of the royalties goes back to helping our fellow community cats!
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
{ 11:04 PM on 'Adoption: Taemin' }
{ 11:01 PM on 'Dada' }
Name: Dada
Sex: Male
Age: 0 yrs 2.5 mth old
Breed: Mixed
Health Condition: Good
Intact/Sterilised: No
Litter trained- Yes
Temperament: A very playful and active boy. He is very affectionate and attention seeking. He has a little habit of suckling on cotton clothes wore by family members.
Remarks Kitty is a rescued case. He has been dewormed one month ago. Not vaccinated yet.
Contact Nianjuan at 82674208
Thursday, December 6, 2012
{ 7:57 PM on 'Dash' }
Dash belongs to a family that migrating and has to be rehomed by year end.Please help. He is of local breed - 7 years, ginger and white
He needs some getting use to people but once he is comfortable, he will be a great company.
Contact: Mdm Iz at 94877207
Sunday, November 18, 2012
{ 10:36 AM on 'Spot' }
Name: Spot
Seeking: Permanent Adopter
Adoption Status: Open
Age: 2 years
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Primary Color: Ginger
Description:
Spot was knock down by a car 2 months ago and was saved by a caregiver. He sustain injuries on both his back legs with open wounds but luckily there was no broken bones or permanent damage. We started to foster Spot since with regular vet checks on his wound also making sure we change his bandage regularly keeping him comfortable at all times.
Spot is no ordinary stray cat, being a 2 year old mixed ginger & white he is as tame as any home cats. Like any other animals with open wounds, they tend to be caution when touch and may attack. However Spot never once lifted his paws wanting to claw us when we clean his wounds & bandage him regularly. He will get irritated, frowning while we clean him as it still hurts with an open wound. We have other 4 cats at home and Spot blend in nicely never once we hear him hiss or attack any of our cats. It's amazing even to us a very gentle & tame stray.
He is recovering soon most likely in another 2 - 3 weeks time. He has been de-worm, vaccinated, spayed, tested negative for FIV & FeLV. We will continue to care for Spot until his full recover and given the Ok from the Vet. All Vet charges are on us.
If you have a home for Spot please contact us anytime. We are happy for you to drop by and visit him so you can get to know him better.
Contact Andy Tan: 9189 8552.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
{ 9:18 AM on 'Adoption: James' }
James is a beautiful black domestic 1 year old cat that needs a home for. His owners are moving and cannot take him. He comes with his own carrier, food bowls, cat tower, toys, blanket and litter box. He needs a home immediately because they are moving 6 August.
He is neutered, microchipped and all of his vaccinations are up to date.
Interested adopters, please call Lauren Gifford at +65 9757 1043 or email at
info@laurengifford.com
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
{ 5:50 AM on 'Nyonya' }
Feline Name: Nyonya
Age: 1 year
Gender: Female
Colour: Tabby
Size: Medium
Sterilised: Yes
Microchipped: No
Toilet Trained: Unknown
Health: Excellent
Temperature: Very friendly towards adults, children, dogs and other cats
Nyonya is an incredibly friendly resident of my condo who wants cuddles at least as much as she wants food. Whenever she sees us coming down she runs up to us to walk in and out of our legs, flop on her back etc. You can easily pick her up in your arms, and she's also very friendly with our big dog (which is really unusual for stray cats) and the neighbourhood kids. All this leads me to think she has probably lived in a house already.
I'd put her age at around 1 year old and I'm pretty sure she's sterilised. I haven't taken her to the vet for a check-up yet but would do so before handing her over to an adopter. I've patted her all over and can't see/feel anything wrong.
I can't take her in myself as I already have a cat and dog at home. I'd be fine continuing to feed her daily myself but I know just how dangerous a place Singapore is for community cats. Also, I will soon be away for a long period of time, and am worried nobody will care for her.
We've called her Nyonya, after the term for Peranakan ladies.
Feline Name: Forest and Sunny
Age: 1yr old (both)
Gender: Male (Both)
Colour: Grey tabby (Forest) and Ginger tabby (Sunny)
Size: Adult
Sterilised: Yes
Microchipped: No
Toilet Trained: Yes
Health: Excellent
Temperament: Well natured and playful. Great for kids and active owners.
Unfortunately both wonderful cats have to be given up for adoption due to family issues and allergies.
Both cats were adopted from young and have provided enormous amount of fun and loving.
Franny was last seen at Block 473 Pasir Ris Drive 6 on 13 January, Friday.
Though her ears are not clipped, she is sterilised. Please share this around
Sunday, January 15, 2012
{ 5:53 AM on 'Keepcats Mentorship Programme' }
Dear Youths and Students!
Thus, Keepcats is launching a programme called the Keepcats Mentorship Programme where Keepcats will assist students and youths in initiating their projects and help to follow through them.
This programme encapsulates:
1) Assistance in helping to anchor the direction the students or youths hope to go into
2) Helping to vet their proposals
3) Assistance in the planning stage of the project
4) Follow up on the project and giving of feedback after execution
5) Advice to improve on the next project (if long running)
6) Meeting with the students and youths
This will strongly help in encouraging youths to take their first step in promoting animal welfare if there is someone to support them. When I just started Keepcats, I remembered doing things all from scratch and seeking guidance everywhere, from Cat Welfare Society, to SPCA to the caregivers. And sometimes, it gets pretty confusing because there wasn't someone experience in project management to advise me. Therefore, i believe with a mentor, they will be able to be better guided and perhaps their projects will be more successful than Keepcats!
Or sometimes, some groups of friend might want want to start a project but do not not how, especially if this is just a personal interest.
Or if they are individuals, we can always get a group of individuals and help them start a group or slot them in with existing groups
Dear Potential Mentors
We need some Manpower to help us!
1) someone to email to schools to see if schools are interested to partner with us, especially if their students are interested to do a project on animal welfare. After which collate and coordiante with mentors and the students/youths
2) Someone to design posters on this programme
3) Mentors! To guide students/youths (must be an experience cat caregiver for projects involving TNRM)
Contact us at Keepcats@hotmail.com if there are interested participants!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
{ 5:36 AM on 'Dialouge Session with AVA CEO' }
Today, we had the first dialouge session 2012 with the AVA CEO, with the AVA team and animal welfare groups present. The meeting lasted from 11am to 1 pm at the Ministry of National Development Building
Here's how they were seated
photo from ACRES facebook
Wei Ling represented Keep Cats and sat in for the meeting, listening to some concerns with regards to animal welfare and the break down analysis of different aspects of animal issues. It was very encouraging that both sides are working hard to improve the animal welfare scene in Singapore!
After the meeting, we took a group photo, here!
photo from Cat Welfare Society facebook
Am looking forwards to helping out more animals in our society!
Monday, December 26, 2011
{ 2:27 PM on 'Hand2Paw Connects Homeless Youth And Animals' }
May 26, 2011
Rachel Cohen, Hand2Paw Founder and Executive Director. Photo Credit: Hand2Paw
(ANIMAL WELFARE) PENNSYLVANIA — Rachel Cohen founded Hand2Paw less than two years ago to bring together homeless youth and animals and create a place for each to get training — job skills for the people, and obedience training for the animals. A natural result is a therapeutic experience for both as the love goes both ways. Read on to discover the impact H2P has had on its members in Philadelphia, and how you can start up your own chapter. Cohen already has plans to open another chapter in New York this summer! — Global Animal Rachel Cohen Hand2Paw Founder and Executive Director Hand2Paw Connects Homeless Youth And Animals
Hand2Paw, launched less than 18 months ago to link up some of Philadelphia’s homeless young people with some of the city’s homeless animals, just last month added another Philly youth organization and shelter to its reach, and there’s talk of reaching out to additional cities next year.
The mastermind behind all this? Rachel Cohen, a 20-year-old biology major at the University of Pennsylvania, whose efforts were recognized last month when she won first place in the national Students in Service Awards. The $2,500 grant that comes with the honor will be used to create some paid internships this summer for the homeless youths who do their H2P thing at Philly shelters.
The non-profit was born of a “community living” course class assignment a couple of years back. Cohen had learned, to her dismay, that about one-fourth of the foster children who “age out” of the system at 18 years old (meaning no one gets paid for taking care of them any more) are left homeless (because without those payments, interest in providing a home vaporizes). An animal lover aware of the huge pet overpopulation problem in the city, Cohen imagined there must be a way for the homeless young people and homeless animals to help each other. Once the class was done, Cohen networked, grunt-worked and detail-worked the concept into reality.
When the program first began, the homeless youth, ages 18 to 22, came from Covenant House Pennsylvania, a 55-bed crisis center. Now a second facility — Project H.O.M.E. — has been added. The animals they do their volunteer work with are from the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society and the Philadelphia SPCA. Cohen calls it a “therapeutic experience” for the young people and animals alike. Moreover, the youths become “anti-cruelty voices” when they finish their time with the animals and return to hanging with their peers.
When the program first started, the young people visited a couple of times a month for two hours, during which they walked the dogs, spent time socializing dogs and cats, and did cleanup and bathing. Now it’s every week, and their responsibilities have expanded to include some basic training since, along the way, Cohen sought and received funding from DoSomething.org to hire a dog trainer who instructs the kids in how to teach the dogs simple commands, read their signals and have a better understanding of their needs.
Also along the way, the vet school at Penn supplied the trainees with scrubs so they don’t ruin the few clothes they have when mucking about with the animals
“The kids get some professional skills and have some fun — something many of them don’t get enough of,” says Cohen. “The animals get much-needed attention and obedience training,” which makes the shelter stay a little less stressful and improves their chances of enticing someone into adopting them more quickly.
The participating youths — five to eight of them visit the shelters every week — are developing work skills and behavior patterns that help them become employable, Cohen says. One of the youths, who worked with the program since its beginning, “found his passion,” she says, and was, in fact, so impressive in his devotion to the animals that he was recently hired to work in a pet boutique.
Cohen is confident the idea can work in any city with homeless youth, so H2P has placed on its website tips for folks around the country who hear about the program and want to start one.
What’s next? H2P will continue, she says, maybe even operating in nearby cities.
Professionally, Cohen is still somewhat undecided. She’s likely to pursue medicine, but whether that will be of the animal or human variety remains to be seen.
Visit their webpage!
Friday, December 16, 2011
{ 7:14 PM on 'Keepcats Meeting with Minister K Shanmugam' }
This morning, I had a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with Minister K Shanmugam (Minister for Law and Foreign Affairs) and his Special Assistant at Minister's Office.
Arrival at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs!
The security and staff were already notified of my meeting with Minister so when I arrived, they already know who I am. They were really nice and friendly with escorting me to the Minister's Office.
I was lead through a series of doorways, and it seemed like some mansion scene in "Boys over Flowers". Finally we arrived at Minister's Office and after notifying Minister Shanmugam of my arrival, I was beckoned to enter.
Visitors have to put on this pass.
I was lead through a series of doorways, and it seemed like some mansion scene in "Boys over Flowers". Finally we arrived at Minister's Office and after notifying Minister Shanmugam of my arrival, I was beckoned to enter.
Had a delightful discussion as with Minister whom I showed my proposals that I hoped to be able to introduce in Singapore.
Minister had also mentioned he would be introducing new Legislative Laws to be passed in Parliament so that it will better aid the animal welfare scene in Singapore. SPCA had came up with a comprehensive Legislative Reform Proposal and I do hope that we can incorporate the whole proposal in the Singapore Law.
Minister is also supportive of my idea to set up an Animal Welfare Council in Singapore. He told me to write more about it in my proposal. Frankly, I have big dreams of a new Council! Earlier this year, I was excitedly talking about it to the various animal welfare groups but it kind of died down as no one has the time and commitment to do up a Council since we are so busy with our own animal welfare projects. There's too many to help and too little to help.
Next year, Keepcats will be involved in various animal welfare groups and some commercial enterprise who are keen to make a difference in animal welfare and animal conservation.
It took me 7 years to see the change in the animal welfare scene in Singapore, and 40 years for other animal lovers. This year is really the major leap for our society. Hoping to focus on the youth, adults and elderly and in turn bond our community by helping the animals.
Gave him a gift containing the photo book of "Singapore Cats" (which I bought from CWS to help in their fundraising), our Keepcats postcard, 2 cans of cat food (so that he can feed the stray cats he sees or just give to his cats) and my namecard!
Ending off with an autograph from Minister! !
-Wei Ling
Monday, November 14, 2011
{ 6:36 AM on 'AVA roadshow 2011' }
On the 12th and 13th of November, Keepcats was very fortunate to be able to participate with Cat Welfare at the AVA (Agri-food and Veterinarian Authorian) roadshow, held at the Singapore Expo Hall 4B.
There were many activities held at the different areas of the Expo Hall and AVA had lined the two days with different programmes.
Here's the Cat Welfare Society Booth
Our little corner
Minister of State (Manpower) Tan Chuan Jin
Just look at the kitty in his arms!
It's time for Cat Welfare to take the stage on the issue of responsible Cat Ownership!
Fareena, Me, Katy Perry and Veron
Melody, who is the emcee, and Veron with Katy Perry
A youtube video uploaded by MND Singapore
Monday, October 10, 2011
{ 6:20 PM on 'Adopt a dog from Police K-9 unit!' }
Wanted: Tender, Loving and Care
Some retired Police dogs are looking for warm-hearted families to share their joyous moments with. Can you provide them with a tender, loving and caring home?
By Loh Jin Feng
All Police dogs were purchased from reputable overseas breeders between 18 to 24 months old. Here is the Springer Spaniel, Bonnie. PHOTO: Loh Jin Feng
As the saying goes, life begins at retirement.
It could not be truer for these dogs who have just retired from the Police K-9 Unit.
Their lives have definitely only just begun and they are looking forward to having years of endless frolicking and fun.
The best thing is - these dogs are looking for warm-hearted families to share their joyous moments with.
Will you give them a chance to do so?
All Police dogs were purchased from reputable overseas breeders between 18 to 24 months old and they usually serve the Police K-9 unit for five to six years before retirement.
They are generally German Shepherds, Belgian Shepherds (Malinois), Labrador Retrievers and Springer Spaniels.
The Police K-9 Unit will check with the adopters on whether the dogs have any behavioural problems. If the dog has problems, the K-9 unit will advise the adopters how to resolve them. Police K-9 unit ParaVet, Ms Leong Pui Ying and the German Shepard, Begi. PHOTO: Loh Jin Feng
Para-Vet, Ms Leong Pui Ying informs Home Team News that about 40 dogs retire annually and the Police K-9 unit will hold up to three adoption programmes per year to help them find a home.
Before a retired dog can be put up for adoption, a series of checks have to be conducted to assess whether it is suitable to be a house pet.
“Our trainers will assess their temperament to ensure that they are not aggressive towards others,” Ms Leong elaborates.
“We will also send our dogs over to the vet to assess their medical health to ensure that they have no major illness.”
The Police K-9 Unit also maintains email correspondence with the adopters.
“We will check with them whether the dogs have any behavioural problems and we will advise them what to do accordingly,” she adds.
These dogs have put in many years of dedicated service and hard work for the Home Team, hence the Police K-9 Unit hopes to find families who can provide them with a tender, loving and caring home.
If you are looking for a loyal and trustworthy addition to your family, why not adopt a Police K-9 dog?
For interested parties, please contact the Police K-9 Unit at 9178 4347.
Home Team News checks out the adoption drive at the Police K-9 Unit, Mowbray Camp. VIDEO: Loh Jin Feng
PHOTO: Police K-9 Unit
For the adoption of a retired Police dog, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
a) The applicant must be at least 18 years old; and
b) The breeds available are not HDB-approval. For the adoption of dog breeds to be kept at non-HDB residential premises, the applicant must not have three dogs or more kept at the same address (with the exception of dogs belonging to Part I or Part II of the potentially dangerous dogs listed in the Second Schedule under the Dog Licensing and Control Rules; only one dog from Part I or Part II of the Second Schedule is permitted to be kept in a premise).
The applicant must be able to comply with the following conditions:
a) The dog shall not be used for working purposes and shall only be kept as a personal house pet;
b) The dog shall not be used for breeding;
c) The applicant agrees to provide the dog with adequate healthcare, food and proper shelter;
d) The applicant shall take necessary measures to prevent the dog from causing injury to a person or an animal;
e) The applicant must obtain a dog licence from the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA); and
f) The applicant must comply with the AVA’s rules and regulations upon the successful adoption of the dog.
Our long time member, Panda had finally found his destined home! The little boy of a family loved him so much that the family decided to take him, even though there were other younger/cuter/sweeter cats!
However, we are sad to say that on that very same day, Blackie, Panda's littermate, had crossed over the rainbow bridge. It was the result of ear tumour. We hope that he will be happy over with his animal family over there and he shall be remembered in our hearts and watch over mummy and Panda.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
{ 2:44 PM on 'World Animals Day 2011 at East Coast!' }
{ 8:11 PM on 'KEEPCATS STERILISATION SUBSIDY PROGRAMME' }
Keepcats hopes to be able to help financially constraint caregivers to lighten their burden, hence we are rolling out the Keepcats sterilisation subsidy programme to help cover part of the fees. We are hoping to reach out to caregivers geniunely in need of funding to be able to sterilise the cats.
However, caregivers must take ownership too and be responsible for their cats, hence the reason for a partial subsidy is to share responsiblity (as a animal welfare group) with the caregiver to sterilise the cats, not just handling handouts. Partial subsidy also allows a greater distribution of subsidy with other caregivers who can benefit from it.
-caregivers outside the Chong Pang Constituency
-caregivers with more than 8 unsterilised cats in their area (with less than S$2000/per month of income) or caregivers earning less than S$1000/month
-only 50% of the sterilisation cost will be covered (after the claim from CWS)
-receipts must be provided by caregivers to keep track of the financial statements
-caregivers must be cooperative and coordinate their own trappings and send their cats to the veterinarian themselves as keepcats is solely providing the subsidies
To enrol in this programme, fill in the application form. If you know of any caregivers who qualifies for this but is computer illiterate, print this out and allow him/her to complete this form before scanning it back to us. We'll get in touch with them and follow up on the sterilisation progress.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
{ 9:27 AM on 'Cats for adoption (part 2)' }
Name: Bear Bear
Seeking: Permanent Adopter
Adoption Status: Closed
Age: 3 years
Breed: Pedigree / Cross
Primary Color: Ginger
Description: Colour: Ginger
Size: Adult
Sterilised: Yes
Microchipped: No
Toilet Trained: Yes
Health: Excellent
Temperament: Sweet and affectionate, able to get along with other cats
Description:
Lovely long tail, and a gentle giant. He is probably has some cross in him due to his regal look.
He was returned to us when his owner had to go to China for work, please do give Bearbear a home!
Foster: Susan
Contact: 92296396
Email: keepcats@hotmail.com
Description:
Colour: Seal Point (brownish white)
Size: Adult
Sterilised: Yes
Microchipped: No
Toilet Trained: Yes
Health: Excellent
Temperament: Affectionate and a lap cat
Description:
Beautiful seal point Burmese who has 2 other Burmese friend who needs a good home!
There's a pair of cat couple that needs to be adopted together however, the other one can be adopted individually
Foster: Susan
Contact: 92296396
Email: keepcats@hotmail.com
Website: www.keepcats.blogspot.com
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Name: Lady
Seeking: Permanent Adopter
Adoption Status: Open
Age: 2 years
Breed: Pedigree / Cross
Primary Color: White
Description:
Colour: Black and Tabby black stripes
Size: Adult
Sterilised: Yes
Microchipped: No
Toilet Trained: Yes
Health: Excellent
Temperament: Proud and independent
Description:
Lady is a very pretty Norwegian cat but she requires patience and effort before she trust you. However, she will be a royal addition to the family.
Foster: Susan
Email: keepcats@hotmail.com
Website: www.keepcats.blogspot.com
{ 9:17 AM on 'Cats for adoption' }
Name: Sweet Corn
Seeking: Permanent Adopter
Status: Closed
Age: 5 months
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Primary Color: White
Colour: White with some ginger spots
Size: Kitten
Sterilised: No (too young)
Microchipped: No
Toilet Trained: Yes
Health: Excellent
Siblings: Cocoa, Carter, Caramel
Temperature: Sweet Corn is a really gentle cat who blinks affectionately at you when given pats! Sweet Corn was returned to us but really would want to have another chance for a good home!
*Please also check out our adoption and sterilisation form found on our website under 'Adoptions'
Foster: Susan
Number 92296396
Email: Keepcats@hotmail.com
Website: http://keepcats.blogspot.com/
++++++++++++++++++++++++
Name: Mango
Seeking: Permanent Adopter
Adoption Status: Closed
Age: 1 month
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Primary Color: Ginger
Description: Size: Kitten
Sterilised: No (too young)
Microchipped: No
Toilet Trained: Yes
Health: Excellent
Temperament: Playful and friendly towards humans
Description:
Lovely long tail, affectionate. She is a vocal girl who loves sweet attention and loves to be carried!
Siblings: Mangrove, Blackcurrant
*Priority to adopters who can adopt Mango with Mangrove or Blackcurrant
Foster: Susan
Contact: 92296396
Email: keepcats@hotmail.com
Website: www.keepcats.blogspot.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Name: Mangrove
Seeking: Permanent Adopter
Adoption Status: Closed
Age: 1 month
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Primary Color: Ginger
Description: Size: Kitten
Sterilised: No (too young)
Microchipped: No
Toilet Trained: Yes
Health: Excellent
Temperament: Playful and friendly towards humans
Description:
The biggest of the 3 siblings, Mangrove is cute and would like nothing better than watching you work or for you to stroke his/her little head
Siblings: Mangrove, Blackcurrant
*Priority to adopters who can adopt Mangrove with Mango or Blackcurrant
Foster: Susan
Number: 92296396
Email: keepcats@hotmail.com
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Name: Blackcurrant
Seeking: Permanent Adopter
Adoption Status: Closed
Age: 1 month
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Primary Color: Black
Description: Size: Kitten
Sterilised: No (too young)
Microchipped: No
Toilet Trained: Yes
Health: Excellent
Temperament: Playful and friendly towards humans
Siblings: Mango, Mangrove
Description:
Blackcurrant can sing! Just look at him raising his little head and singing to 爱's theme song : Wah Meng Tiin 我问天
*Priority to adopters who can adopt Blackcurrant with Mango or Mangrove
Foster: Susan
Number: 92296396
Email: keepcats@hotmail.com
Website: www.keepcats.blogspot.com
Website: www.keepcats.blogspot.com
Saturday, April 25, 2015
{ 10:58 PM on 'Interview with Rei Kimura: Author of Memoirs of a Community Cat' }
A couple weeks ago, I received a message from Rei about her lovely book, titled Memoirs of a Community Cat! It tells from the perspective of a community cat Abby.
Rei kindly agreed to do an interview for our readers:
1) Can you give our readers a brief summary of your latest book?
First of all, this is the synopsis which will give readers some idea what this book is about and how the story line goes.
This book is touching, poignant and at the same time laced with an ascerbic sense of humor told by a community cat on how he sees and lives his life and the love hate realtionship with humans and is a book suitable for most ages from low teens to adults and may instil awareness in the community that community cats are not pests but actually warm living creatures with hearts, feelings and a capacity to love and have fun if given a chance.
SYNOPSIS
This is a heartwarming story told by Abby, a veteran stray cat who insists “We are not strays, we are community cats! Just as humans are citizens of their countries, we are citizens of the communities we live in!”
It brings to life the many stray cats who live in almost every community giving each cat featured in this book a face, a heart, feelings, thoughts and the same fears and happiness of the humans who can make their lives a blessing or a curse.
Abby, the macho yellow male cat walks us through his very colorful adventures and experiences as he and his siblings and friends live each day to the fullest of their nine lives, never knowing whether they will be alive at the end of the day! There is never a dull moment and some harrowing matching of wits with those who hate their very existence and believe that community cats should neither be seen nor heard!
The lead star of this witty community cat drama is Abby, strong, arrogant and adventurous, he is the boss and what he says goes! Then there is Choc, his brother, good natured, sanguine and a perfect gentleman who is wise and calm beyond his cat years!
It has even been said that a woman would choose Abby for a lover and Choc for a solid dependable husband!
There is Calico, Abby’s friend and “crush,” pretty, precocious with a temper to match and her direct antithesis, Sister, a surly, snarling aging matriarch of the neighboring cluster of community cats whom Abby calls “the ugliest and meanest feline that ever existed.”
Each cat is a vibrant character of its own that you will mostly love as they share their lives with you. There is this rhetoric that every creature is created for a purpose so what on earth are community cats created for? Perhaps to bring out the compassion and better qualities in humans manifested here in the much loved “feeders” who feed and care for them, giving of their time and money to make the lives of these less fortunate creatures of God, tolerable.
The bond and love between feeder and community cat is very poignantly shared here and as Abby put it, “God, did everyone think that the only relationship between our feeders and us is food? Didn’t they know that we become attached to our caregivers as well and that’s why we wait eagerly the whole day for them to come so that we could have that little pat on the head, that ruffling of the fur or that nagging about not being choosy about food and our 30 minutes or so of love.”
“People came and went as and when they could and we were expected to deal with that, get over that emotional and missing someone we had become close to and loved stuff and just accept what and who came next. We were, after all, community cats, the lowest tier in the hierarchy of the cat society and that humiliating reality depressed me so much I crawled into the deep drain hole that had been our childhood home and cried for Helen. It just wasn’t fair that people, even our most beloved feeders, think that it doesn’t matter who comes to feed us because ultimately, it was just food we needed. But it does matter, it really does!
But in the morning, I woke up with a burning determination to survive and live on, we had a right to be in our community and we weren’t going anywhere because this was our home too!”
2) What motivated you to publish this book?
What motivated me to write this book? Wow, ever since I can remember, I have always loved animals especially cats and dogs. As a child, I would bring home strays I found cared for them and found homes for them and as our mini "zoo" in the house grew, my mother was exasperated but she was an animal lover too and didnt have the heart to say NO! So I grew up surrounded by cats and at least a dog or two and I believe caring for them made me a compassionate and responsible person.
Of course when I got to know a couple of feeders caring for 9 com cats in my area I offered to help every time I was in Singapore, usually quite often so they could get some rest. I grew to really love these cats and saw how "human" they were and it was quite awful that some people regarded them as pests and didnt care taht they needed food and help! Also I met a number of feeders and got to know some animal shelters here and saw how much of a struggle it is without government support to raise funds to feed and care for the com cats. i contribute to their food funds as much as I can but its never enough.
So I decided to write about these lovely intelligent com cats to raise funds for their care and also to educate the public. This book is intended not only to benefit the community cats in food fund contributions but also to give them a voice, a face, their own stories to tell and hopefully instil in the public greater tolerance of their existence as they have nowhere else to go!
3) Do you have any cats and/or other pets?
Yes I have a pomeranian dog called Eric (I wrote a book about him too "My Name is Eric" ) and I would really love to have a cat but Eric is very possessive and will never allow a cat into the house, sad to say. But many many years ago I did adopt a cat called Frisky from a construction site in Singapore and brought her back to Japan where she was very much loved and lived to the ripe old age of 18! I cannot imagine a life with at least 1 pet!
4) How different are cats from Singapore and Japan? Are they pampered the same here as their neko counterparts?
I think cats are pretty much the same whether they are in Singapore or in Japan except that Japanese cats are much bigger and furrier in part perhaps of the weather. Frisky was a typical Singapore short hair cat but after I brought her back to Japan, in the cold season her fur grew longer and much thicker because of the climate change, I was quite amazed to discover that.
Japanese people love cats very clear in the number of cat cafes, accessories, clothes etc featuring cats and I am sure you have heard of the famous cat islands in Japan where cats outnumber the humans who stay there to fish and look after them! I think cats are very popular in Japan as pets because Japanese houses and apartments are small and its easier and more manageable to keep cats than dogs. And oh yes, house cats are very much pampered and there are all kinds of accessories created for them, clothes, shoes, even sunglasses in summer to protect their eyes!!!
5) Will you follow up with a second community cat book?
I would really love to write a sequel to this book and will be observing other com cats to build up stories to write about them.
Memoirs of a Community is now available in all 4 (Orchard; Ĺiang Court, Bugis and Jurong) Kinokuniya bookstores under the Japanese literature department. Part of the royalties goes back to helping our fellow community cats!
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
{ 11:04 PM on 'Adoption: Taemin' }
{ 11:01 PM on 'Dada' }
Name: Dada
Sex: Male
Age: 0 yrs 2.5 mth old
Breed: Mixed
Health Condition: Good
Intact/Sterilised: No
Litter trained- Yes
Temperament: A very playful and active boy. He is very affectionate and attention seeking. He has a little habit of suckling on cotton clothes wore by family members.
Remarks Kitty is a rescued case. He has been dewormed one month ago. Not vaccinated yet.
Contact Nianjuan at 82674208
Thursday, December 6, 2012
{ 7:57 PM on 'Dash' }
Dash belongs to a family that migrating and has to be rehomed by year end.Please help. He is of local breed - 7 years, ginger and white
He needs some getting use to people but once he is comfortable, he will be a great company.
Contact: Mdm Iz at 94877207
Sunday, November 18, 2012
{ 10:36 AM on 'Spot' }
Name: Spot
Seeking: Permanent Adopter
Adoption Status: Open
Age: 2 years
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Primary Color: Ginger
Description:
Spot was knock down by a car 2 months ago and was saved by a caregiver. He sustain injuries on both his back legs with open wounds but luckily there was no broken bones or permanent damage. We started to foster Spot since with regular vet checks on his wound also making sure we change his bandage regularly keeping him comfortable at all times.
Spot is no ordinary stray cat, being a 2 year old mixed ginger & white he is as tame as any home cats. Like any other animals with open wounds, they tend to be caution when touch and may attack. However Spot never once lifted his paws wanting to claw us when we clean his wounds & bandage him regularly. He will get irritated, frowning while we clean him as it still hurts with an open wound. We have other 4 cats at home and Spot blend in nicely never once we hear him hiss or attack any of our cats. It's amazing even to us a very gentle & tame stray.
He is recovering soon most likely in another 2 - 3 weeks time. He has been de-worm, vaccinated, spayed, tested negative for FIV & FeLV. We will continue to care for Spot until his full recover and given the Ok from the Vet. All Vet charges are on us.
If you have a home for Spot please contact us anytime. We are happy for you to drop by and visit him so you can get to know him better.
Contact Andy Tan: 9189 8552.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
{ 9:18 AM on 'Adoption: James' }
James is a beautiful black domestic 1 year old cat that needs a home for. His owners are moving and cannot take him. He comes with his own carrier, food bowls, cat tower, toys, blanket and litter box. He needs a home immediately because they are moving 6 August.
He is neutered, microchipped and all of his vaccinations are up to date.
Interested adopters, please call Lauren Gifford at +65 9757 1043 or email at
info@laurengifford.com
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
{ 5:50 AM on 'Nyonya' }
Feline Name: Nyonya
Age: 1 year
Gender: Female
Colour: Tabby
Size: Medium
Sterilised: Yes
Microchipped: No
Toilet Trained: Unknown
Health: Excellent
Temperature: Very friendly towards adults, children, dogs and other cats
Nyonya is an incredibly friendly resident of my condo who wants cuddles at least as much as she wants food. Whenever she sees us coming down she runs up to us to walk in and out of our legs, flop on her back etc. You can easily pick her up in your arms, and she's also very friendly with our big dog (which is really unusual for stray cats) and the neighbourhood kids. All this leads me to think she has probably lived in a house already.
I'd put her age at around 1 year old and I'm pretty sure she's sterilised. I haven't taken her to the vet for a check-up yet but would do so before handing her over to an adopter. I've patted her all over and can't see/feel anything wrong.
I can't take her in myself as I already have a cat and dog at home. I'd be fine continuing to feed her daily myself but I know just how dangerous a place Singapore is for community cats. Also, I will soon be away for a long period of time, and am worried nobody will care for her.
We've called her Nyonya, after the term for Peranakan ladies.
Feline Name: Forest and Sunny
Age: 1yr old (both)
Gender: Male (Both)
Colour: Grey tabby (Forest) and Ginger tabby (Sunny)
Size: Adult
Sterilised: Yes
Microchipped: No
Toilet Trained: Yes
Health: Excellent
Temperament: Well natured and playful. Great for kids and active owners.
Unfortunately both wonderful cats have to be given up for adoption due to family issues and allergies.
Both cats were adopted from young and have provided enormous amount of fun and loving.
Franny was last seen at Block 473 Pasir Ris Drive 6 on 13 January, Friday.
Though her ears are not clipped, she is sterilised. Please share this around
Sunday, January 15, 2012
{ 5:53 AM on 'Keepcats Mentorship Programme' }
Dear Youths and Students!
Thus, Keepcats is launching a programme called the Keepcats Mentorship Programme where Keepcats will assist students and youths in initiating their projects and help to follow through them.
This programme encapsulates:
1) Assistance in helping to anchor the direction the students or youths hope to go into
2) Helping to vet their proposals
3) Assistance in the planning stage of the project
4) Follow up on the project and giving of feedback after execution
5) Advice to improve on the next project (if long running)
6) Meeting with the students and youths
This will strongly help in encouraging youths to take their first step in promoting animal welfare if there is someone to support them. When I just started Keepcats, I remembered doing things all from scratch and seeking guidance everywhere, from Cat Welfare Society, to SPCA to the caregivers. And sometimes, it gets pretty confusing because there wasn't someone experience in project management to advise me. Therefore, i believe with a mentor, they will be able to be better guided and perhaps their projects will be more successful than Keepcats!
Or sometimes, some groups of friend might want want to start a project but do not not how, especially if this is just a personal interest.
Or if they are individuals, we can always get a group of individuals and help them start a group or slot them in with existing groups
Dear Potential Mentors
We need some Manpower to help us!
1) someone to email to schools to see if schools are interested to partner with us, especially if their students are interested to do a project on animal welfare. After which collate and coordiante with mentors and the students/youths
2) Someone to design posters on this programme
3) Mentors! To guide students/youths (must be an experience cat caregiver for projects involving TNRM)
Contact us at Keepcats@hotmail.com if there are interested participants!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
{ 5:36 AM on 'Dialouge Session with AVA CEO' }
Today, we had the first dialouge session 2012 with the AVA CEO, with the AVA team and animal welfare groups present. The meeting lasted from 11am to 1 pm at the Ministry of National Development Building
Here's how they were seated
photo from ACRES facebook
Wei Ling represented Keep Cats and sat in for the meeting, listening to some concerns with regards to animal welfare and the break down analysis of different aspects of animal issues. It was very encouraging that both sides are working hard to improve the animal welfare scene in Singapore!
After the meeting, we took a group photo, here!
photo from Cat Welfare Society facebook
Am looking forwards to helping out more animals in our society!
Monday, December 26, 2011
{ 2:27 PM on 'Hand2Paw Connects Homeless Youth And Animals' }
May 26, 2011
Rachel Cohen, Hand2Paw Founder and Executive Director. Photo Credit: Hand2Paw
(ANIMAL WELFARE) PENNSYLVANIA — Rachel Cohen founded Hand2Paw less than two years ago to bring together homeless youth and animals and create a place for each to get training — job skills for the people, and obedience training for the animals. A natural result is a therapeutic experience for both as the love goes both ways. Read on to discover the impact H2P has had on its members in Philadelphia, and how you can start up your own chapter. Cohen already has plans to open another chapter in New York this summer! — Global Animal Rachel Cohen Hand2Paw Founder and Executive Director Hand2Paw Connects Homeless Youth And Animals
Hand2Paw, launched less than 18 months ago to link up some of Philadelphia’s homeless young people with some of the city’s homeless animals, just last month added another Philly youth organization and shelter to its reach, and there’s talk of reaching out to additional cities next year.
The mastermind behind all this? Rachel Cohen, a 20-year-old biology major at the University of Pennsylvania, whose efforts were recognized last month when she won first place in the national Students in Service Awards. The $2,500 grant that comes with the honor will be used to create some paid internships this summer for the homeless youths who do their H2P thing at Philly shelters.
The non-profit was born of a “community living” course class assignment a couple of years back. Cohen had learned, to her dismay, that about one-fourth of the foster children who “age out” of the system at 18 years old (meaning no one gets paid for taking care of them any more) are left homeless (because without those payments, interest in providing a home vaporizes). An animal lover aware of the huge pet overpopulation problem in the city, Cohen imagined there must be a way for the homeless young people and homeless animals to help each other. Once the class was done, Cohen networked, grunt-worked and detail-worked the concept into reality.
When the program first began, the homeless youth, ages 18 to 22, came from Covenant House Pennsylvania, a 55-bed crisis center. Now a second facility — Project H.O.M.E. — has been added. The animals they do their volunteer work with are from the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society and the Philadelphia SPCA. Cohen calls it a “therapeutic experience” for the young people and animals alike. Moreover, the youths become “anti-cruelty voices” when they finish their time with the animals and return to hanging with their peers.
When the program first started, the young people visited a couple of times a month for two hours, during which they walked the dogs, spent time socializing dogs and cats, and did cleanup and bathing. Now it’s every week, and their responsibilities have expanded to include some basic training since, along the way, Cohen sought and received funding from DoSomething.org to hire a dog trainer who instructs the kids in how to teach the dogs simple commands, read their signals and have a better understanding of their needs.
Also along the way, the vet school at Penn supplied the trainees with scrubs so they don’t ruin the few clothes they have when mucking about with the animals
“The kids get some professional skills and have some fun — something many of them don’t get enough of,” says Cohen. “The animals get much-needed attention and obedience training,” which makes the shelter stay a little less stressful and improves their chances of enticing someone into adopting them more quickly.
The participating youths — five to eight of them visit the shelters every week — are developing work skills and behavior patterns that help them become employable, Cohen says. One of the youths, who worked with the program since its beginning, “found his passion,” she says, and was, in fact, so impressive in his devotion to the animals that he was recently hired to work in a pet boutique.
Cohen is confident the idea can work in any city with homeless youth, so H2P has placed on its website tips for folks around the country who hear about the program and want to start one.
What’s next? H2P will continue, she says, maybe even operating in nearby cities.
Professionally, Cohen is still somewhat undecided. She’s likely to pursue medicine, but whether that will be of the animal or human variety remains to be seen.
Visit their webpage!
Friday, December 16, 2011
{ 7:14 PM on 'Keepcats Meeting with Minister K Shanmugam' }
This morning, I had a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with Minister K Shanmugam (Minister for Law and Foreign Affairs) and his Special Assistant at Minister's Office.
Arrival at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs!
The security and staff were already notified of my meeting with Minister so when I arrived, they already know who I am. They were really nice and friendly with escorting me to the Minister's Office.
I was lead through a series of doorways, and it seemed like some mansion scene in "Boys over Flowers". Finally we arrived at Minister's Office and after notifying Minister Shanmugam of my arrival, I was beckoned to enter.
Visitors have to put on this pass.
I was lead through a series of doorways, and it seemed like some mansion scene in "Boys over Flowers". Finally we arrived at Minister's Office and after notifying Minister Shanmugam of my arrival, I was beckoned to enter.
Had a delightful discussion as with Minister whom I showed my proposals that I hoped to be able to introduce in Singapore.
Minister had also mentioned he would be introducing new Legislative Laws to be passed in Parliament so that it will better aid the animal welfare scene in Singapore. SPCA had came up with a comprehensive Legislative Reform Proposal and I do hope that we can incorporate the whole proposal in the Singapore Law.
Minister is also supportive of my idea to set up an Animal Welfare Council in Singapore. He told me to write more about it in my proposal. Frankly, I have big dreams of a new Council! Earlier this year, I was excitedly talking about it to the various animal welfare groups but it kind of died down as no one has the time and commitment to do up a Council since we are so busy with our own animal welfare projects. There's too many to help and too little to help.
Next year, Keepcats will be involved in various animal welfare groups and some commercial enterprise who are keen to make a difference in animal welfare and animal conservation.
It took me 7 years to see the change in the animal welfare scene in Singapore, and 40 years for other animal lovers. This year is really the major leap for our society. Hoping to focus on the youth, adults and elderly and in turn bond our community by helping the animals.
Gave him a gift containing the photo book of "Singapore Cats" (which I bought from CWS to help in their fundraising), our Keepcats postcard, 2 cans of cat food (so that he can feed the stray cats he sees or just give to his cats) and my namecard!
Ending off with an autograph from Minister! !
-Wei Ling
Monday, November 14, 2011
{ 6:36 AM on 'AVA roadshow 2011' }
On the 12th and 13th of November, Keepcats was very fortunate to be able to participate with Cat Welfare at the AVA (Agri-food and Veterinarian Authorian) roadshow, held at the Singapore Expo Hall 4B.
There were many activities held at the different areas of the Expo Hall and AVA had lined the two days with different programmes.
Here's the Cat Welfare Society Booth
Our little corner
Minister of State (Manpower) Tan Chuan Jin
Just look at the kitty in his arms!
It's time for Cat Welfare to take the stage on the issue of responsible Cat Ownership!
Fareena, Me, Katy Perry and Veron
Melody, who is the emcee, and Veron with Katy Perry
A youtube video uploaded by MND Singapore
Monday, October 10, 2011
{ 6:20 PM on 'Adopt a dog from Police K-9 unit!' }
Wanted: Tender, Loving and Care
Some retired Police dogs are looking for warm-hearted families to share their joyous moments with. Can you provide them with a tender, loving and caring home?
By Loh Jin Feng
All Police dogs were purchased from reputable overseas breeders between 18 to 24 months old. Here is the Springer Spaniel, Bonnie. PHOTO: Loh Jin Feng
As the saying goes, life begins at retirement.
It could not be truer for these dogs who have just retired from the Police K-9 Unit.
Their lives have definitely only just begun and they are looking forward to having years of endless frolicking and fun.
The best thing is - these dogs are looking for warm-hearted families to share their joyous moments with.
Will you give them a chance to do so?
All Police dogs were purchased from reputable overseas breeders between 18 to 24 months old and they usually serve the Police K-9 unit for five to six years before retirement.
They are generally German Shepherds, Belgian Shepherds (Malinois), Labrador Retrievers and Springer Spaniels.
The Police K-9 Unit will check with the adopters on whether the dogs have any behavioural problems. If the dog has problems, the K-9 unit will advise the adopters how to resolve them. Police K-9 unit ParaVet, Ms Leong Pui Ying and the German Shepard, Begi. PHOTO: Loh Jin Feng
Para-Vet, Ms Leong Pui Ying informs Home Team News that about 40 dogs retire annually and the Police K-9 unit will hold up to three adoption programmes per year to help them find a home.
Before a retired dog can be put up for adoption, a series of checks have to be conducted to assess whether it is suitable to be a house pet.
“Our trainers will assess their temperament to ensure that they are not aggressive towards others,” Ms Leong elaborates.
“We will also send our dogs over to the vet to assess their medical health to ensure that they have no major illness.”
The Police K-9 Unit also maintains email correspondence with the adopters.
“We will check with them whether the dogs have any behavioural problems and we will advise them what to do accordingly,” she adds.
These dogs have put in many years of dedicated service and hard work for the Home Team, hence the Police K-9 Unit hopes to find families who can provide them with a tender, loving and caring home.
If you are looking for a loyal and trustworthy addition to your family, why not adopt a Police K-9 dog?
For interested parties, please contact the Police K-9 Unit at 9178 4347.
Home Team News checks out the adoption drive at the Police K-9 Unit, Mowbray Camp. VIDEO: Loh Jin Feng
PHOTO: Police K-9 Unit
For the adoption of a retired Police dog, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
a) The applicant must be at least 18 years old; and
b) The breeds available are not HDB-approval. For the adoption of dog breeds to be kept at non-HDB residential premises, the applicant must not have three dogs or more kept at the same address (with the exception of dogs belonging to Part I or Part II of the potentially dangerous dogs listed in the Second Schedule under the Dog Licensing and Control Rules; only one dog from Part I or Part II of the Second Schedule is permitted to be kept in a premise).
The applicant must be able to comply with the following conditions:
a) The dog shall not be used for working purposes and shall only be kept as a personal house pet;
b) The dog shall not be used for breeding;
c) The applicant agrees to provide the dog with adequate healthcare, food and proper shelter;
d) The applicant shall take necessary measures to prevent the dog from causing injury to a person or an animal;
e) The applicant must obtain a dog licence from the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA); and
f) The applicant must comply with the AVA’s rules and regulations upon the successful adoption of the dog.
Our long time member, Panda had finally found his destined home! The little boy of a family loved him so much that the family decided to take him, even though there were other younger/cuter/sweeter cats!
However, we are sad to say that on that very same day, Blackie, Panda's littermate, had crossed over the rainbow bridge. It was the result of ear tumour. We hope that he will be happy over with his animal family over there and he shall be remembered in our hearts and watch over mummy and Panda.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
{ 2:44 PM on 'World Animals Day 2011 at East Coast!' }
{ 8:11 PM on 'KEEPCATS STERILISATION SUBSIDY PROGRAMME' }
Keepcats hopes to be able to help financially constraint caregivers to lighten their burden, hence we are rolling out the Keepcats sterilisation subsidy programme to help cover part of the fees. We are hoping to reach out to caregivers geniunely in need of funding to be able to sterilise the cats.
However, caregivers must take ownership too and be responsible for their cats, hence the reason for a partial subsidy is to share responsiblity (as a animal welfare group) with the caregiver to sterilise the cats, not just handling handouts. Partial subsidy also allows a greater distribution of subsidy with other caregivers who can benefit from it.
-caregivers outside the Chong Pang Constituency
-caregivers with more than 8 unsterilised cats in their area (with less than S$2000/per month of income) or caregivers earning less than S$1000/month
-only 50% of the sterilisation cost will be covered (after the claim from CWS)
-receipts must be provided by caregivers to keep track of the financial statements
-caregivers must be cooperative and coordinate their own trappings and send their cats to the veterinarian themselves as keepcats is solely providing the subsidies
To enrol in this programme, fill in the application form. If you know of any caregivers who qualifies for this but is computer illiterate, print this out and allow him/her to complete this form before scanning it back to us. We'll get in touch with them and follow up on the sterilisation progress.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
{ 9:27 AM on 'Cats for adoption (part 2)' }
Name: Bear Bear
Seeking: Permanent Adopter
Adoption Status: Closed
Age: 3 years
Breed: Pedigree / Cross
Primary Color: Ginger
Description: Colour: Ginger
Size: Adult
Sterilised: Yes
Microchipped: No
Toilet Trained: Yes
Health: Excellent
Temperament: Sweet and affectionate, able to get along with other cats
Description:
Lovely long tail, and a gentle giant. He is probably has some cross in him due to his regal look.
He was returned to us when his owner had to go to China for work, please do give Bearbear a home!
Foster: Susan
Contact: 92296396
Email: keepcats@hotmail.com
Description:
Colour: Seal Point (brownish white)
Size: Adult
Sterilised: Yes
Microchipped: No
Toilet Trained: Yes
Health: Excellent
Temperament: Affectionate and a lap cat
Description:
Beautiful seal point Burmese who has 2 other Burmese friend who needs a good home!
There's a pair of cat couple that needs to be adopted together however, the other one can be adopted individually
Foster: Susan
Contact: 92296396
Email: keepcats@hotmail.com
Website: www.keepcats.blogspot.com
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Name: Lady
Seeking: Permanent Adopter
Adoption Status: Open
Age: 2 years
Breed: Pedigree / Cross
Primary Color: White
Description:
Colour: Black and Tabby black stripes
Size: Adult
Sterilised: Yes
Microchipped: No
Toilet Trained: Yes
Health: Excellent
Temperament: Proud and independent
Description:
Lady is a very pretty Norwegian cat but she requires patience and effort before she trust you. However, she will be a royal addition to the family.
Foster: Susan
Email: keepcats@hotmail.com
Website: www.keepcats.blogspot.com
{ 9:17 AM on 'Cats for adoption' }
Name: Sweet Corn
Seeking: Permanent Adopter
Status: Closed
Age: 5 months
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Primary Color: White
Colour: White with some ginger spots
Size: Kitten
Sterilised: No (too young)
Microchipped: No
Toilet Trained: Yes
Health: Excellent
Siblings: Cocoa, Carter, Caramel
Temperature: Sweet Corn is a really gentle cat who blinks affectionately at you when given pats! Sweet Corn was returned to us but really would want to have another chance for a good home!
*Please also check out our adoption and sterilisation form found on our website under 'Adoptions'
Foster: Susan
Number 92296396
Email: Keepcats@hotmail.com
Website: http://keepcats.blogspot.com/
++++++++++++++++++++++++
Name: Mango
Seeking: Permanent Adopter
Adoption Status: Closed
Age: 1 month
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Primary Color: Ginger
Description: Size: Kitten
Sterilised: No (too young)
Microchipped: No
Toilet Trained: Yes
Health: Excellent
Temperament: Playful and friendly towards humans
Description:
Lovely long tail, affectionate. She is a vocal girl who loves sweet attention and loves to be carried!
Siblings: Mangrove, Blackcurrant
*Priority to adopters who can adopt Mango with Mangrove or Blackcurrant
Foster: Susan
Contact: 92296396
Email: keepcats@hotmail.com
Website: www.keepcats.blogspot.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Name: Mangrove
Seeking: Permanent Adopter
Adoption Status: Closed
Age: 1 month
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Primary Color: Ginger
Description: Size: Kitten
Sterilised: No (too young)
Microchipped: No
Toilet Trained: Yes
Health: Excellent
Temperament: Playful and friendly towards humans
Description:
The biggest of the 3 siblings, Mangrove is cute and would like nothing better than watching you work or for you to stroke his/her little head
Siblings: Mangrove, Blackcurrant
*Priority to adopters who can adopt Mangrove with Mango or Blackcurrant
Foster: Susan
Number: 92296396
Email: keepcats@hotmail.com
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Name: Blackcurrant
Seeking: Permanent Adopter
Adoption Status: Closed
Age: 1 month
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Primary Color: Black
Description: Size: Kitten
Sterilised: No (too young)
Microchipped: No
Toilet Trained: Yes
Health: Excellent
Temperament: Playful and friendly towards humans
Siblings: Mango, Mangrove
Description:
Blackcurrant can sing! Just look at him raising his little head and singing to 爱's theme song : Wah Meng Tiin 我问天
*Priority to adopters who can adopt Blackcurrant with Mango or Mangrove
Keepcats started are a group of students who aim to change the society's mindset of strays and animals.
When the projected ended, we disbanded in a way but the remaining members gathered some animal lovers to help with sterilisation and rehoming
Dedicated to raise awareness for animals
C.A.T.S - Care for Animals in The Society.
Although we have a really catty name but we care for all animals, including dogs, hamsters, tigers, snakes. No creature should be denied of an existance on Earth
We are an unregistered non-profit organisation and we do not have a shelter. All the animals listed are fostered by the volunteers themselves
Recruitment
We always need members! Fill this in if you are up to the challenge!
Name:
Contact:
Helping with:
Residential area: (No need to provide exact address, just ang mo kio, jurong, etc will do)
Positions available:
Adoption Foster (taking care of kittens while waiting for them to be adopted out)
Temporary Foster (taking care of cats/other animals during their recovery period after sterilisation/surgery)
Sponsor/Donors: (Providing Financial help for sterilisation of cats, medical bills )
Event volunteers (help with events, eg manning of booths)
Transportation: Help to transport cats to, for example, the vet's
Our Success Cases
Sterilised 147 (45 during Spay Day) cats and rehomed 66 cats as of 9 August 2011.
Sterilised 16 dogs (industrial park at Sungei Dakut) as of 9 August 2011. Every 2 SPCA voucher of the month goes to the dogs
Witnessed 6 cats adopted (Helping to post adoption from our site but not under our projects)-
Prince, Manja, Tigger, Power Twins, Stephanie's kitty
Sterilisation
12 cats At AMK Block 777 ( this is not the actual block )
14 cats At AMK Block X09
4 cats at Toa Payoh block X15
10 cats on XX Dec 2010
20 cats from Jan 2011 - April 2011
Individuals: Sunlovemoon's mummy, Changi pregnant cat, Tangerine, Grandmother cat, Hermosa, 3 Hermosa kits, Siamsiah's cat, Siamsiah's friend's 3 cats.
Cats for Adoption
More information will be provided on their individual blogpost
Adoption is free but a $80 sterilisation fee is to be paid upon adoption. This is merely for the sterilisation of the kittens and not adoption itself.
There will be 2 separate contract that you have to sign when if you were to adopt our cats.
Fosters may like to post their cats for adoption on our site too
Scroll down for more information
Half Cardigan
In Stock: 1
Price: SGD $40.00 (UP $49.90)
Never worn before
Our expenditures - updated 19 November 2011
Donations 2009
2010g
Balance
..............................................
Total donations minus Total expenses
2009: $124.50
2010: $-3747.20
Total: -$3871.70
$
- note that for negative, we are dipping into our own pocket for funding aka borne by members -
Rei kindly agreed to do an interview for our readers:
1) Can you give our readers a brief summary of your latest book?
First of all, this is the synopsis which will give readers some idea what this book is about and how the story line goes.
This book is touching, poignant and at the same time laced with an ascerbic sense of humor told by a community cat on how he sees and lives his life and the love hate realtionship with humans and is a book suitable for most ages from low teens to adults and may instil awareness in the community that community cats are not pests but actually warm living creatures with hearts, feelings and a capacity to love and have fun if given a chance.
SYNOPSIS
This is a heartwarming story told by Abby, a veteran stray cat who insists “We are not strays, we are community cats! Just as humans are citizens of their countries, we are citizens of the communities we live in!”
It brings to life the many stray cats who live in almost every community giving each cat featured in this book a face, a heart, feelings, thoughts and the same fears and happiness of the humans who can make their lives a blessing or a curse.
Abby, the macho yellow male cat walks us through his very colorful adventures and experiences as he and his siblings and friends live each day to the fullest of their nine lives, never knowing whether they will be alive at the end of the day! There is never a dull moment and some harrowing matching of wits with those who hate their very existence and believe that community cats should neither be seen nor heard!
The lead star of this witty community cat drama is Abby, strong, arrogant and adventurous, he is the boss and what he says goes! Then there is Choc, his brother, good natured, sanguine and a perfect gentleman who is wise and calm beyond his cat years!
It has even been said that a woman would choose Abby for a lover and Choc for a solid dependable husband!
There is Calico, Abby’s friend and “crush,” pretty, precocious with a temper to match and her direct antithesis, Sister, a surly, snarling aging matriarch of the neighboring cluster of community cats whom Abby calls “the ugliest and meanest feline that ever existed.”
Each cat is a vibrant character of its own that you will mostly love as they share their lives with you. There is this rhetoric that every creature is created for a purpose so what on earth are community cats created for? Perhaps to bring out the compassion and better qualities in humans manifested here in the much loved “feeders” who feed and care for them, giving of their time and money to make the lives of these less fortunate creatures of God, tolerable.
The bond and love between feeder and community cat is very poignantly shared here and as Abby put it, “God, did everyone think that the only relationship between our feeders and us is food? Didn’t they know that we become attached to our caregivers as well and that’s why we wait eagerly the whole day for them to come so that we could have that little pat on the head, that ruffling of the fur or that nagging about not being choosy about food and our 30 minutes or so of love.”
“People came and went as and when they could and we were expected to deal with that, get over that emotional and missing someone we had become close to and loved stuff and just accept what and who came next. We were, after all, community cats, the lowest tier in the hierarchy of the cat society and that humiliating reality depressed me so much I crawled into the deep drain hole that had been our childhood home and cried for Helen. It just wasn’t fair that people, even our most beloved feeders, think that it doesn’t matter who comes to feed us because ultimately, it was just food we needed. But it does matter, it really does!
But in the morning, I woke up with a burning determination to survive and live on, we had a right to be in our community and we weren’t going anywhere because this was our home too!”
2) What motivated you to publish this book?
What motivated me to write this book? Wow, ever since I can remember, I have always loved animals especially cats and dogs. As a child, I would bring home strays I found cared for them and found homes for them and as our mini "zoo" in the house grew, my mother was exasperated but she was an animal lover too and didnt have the heart to say NO! So I grew up surrounded by cats and at least a dog or two and I believe caring for them made me a compassionate and responsible person.
Of course when I got to know a couple of feeders caring for 9 com cats in my area I offered to help every time I was in Singapore, usually quite often so they could get some rest. I grew to really love these cats and saw how "human" they were and it was quite awful that some people regarded them as pests and didnt care taht they needed food and help! Also I met a number of feeders and got to know some animal shelters here and saw how much of a struggle it is without government support to raise funds to feed and care for the com cats. i contribute to their food funds as much as I can but its never enough.
So I decided to write about these lovely intelligent com cats to raise funds for their care and also to educate the public. This book is intended not only to benefit the community cats in food fund contributions but also to give them a voice, a face, their own stories to tell and hopefully instil in the public greater tolerance of their existence as they have nowhere else to go!
3) Do you have any cats and/or other pets?
Yes I have a pomeranian dog called Eric (I wrote a book about him too "My Name is Eric" ) and I would really love to have a cat but Eric is very possessive and will never allow a cat into the house, sad to say. But many many years ago I did adopt a cat called Frisky from a construction site in Singapore and brought her back to Japan where she was very much loved and lived to the ripe old age of 18! I cannot imagine a life with at least 1 pet!
4) How different are cats from Singapore and Japan? Are they pampered the same here as their neko counterparts?
I think cats are pretty much the same whether they are in Singapore or in Japan except that Japanese cats are much bigger and furrier in part perhaps of the weather. Frisky was a typical Singapore short hair cat but after I brought her back to Japan, in the cold season her fur grew longer and much thicker because of the climate change, I was quite amazed to discover that.
Japanese people love cats very clear in the number of cat cafes, accessories, clothes etc featuring cats and I am sure you have heard of the famous cat islands in Japan where cats outnumber the humans who stay there to fish and look after them! I think cats are very popular in Japan as pets because Japanese houses and apartments are small and its easier and more manageable to keep cats than dogs. And oh yes, house cats are very much pampered and there are all kinds of accessories created for them, clothes, shoes, even sunglasses in summer to protect their eyes!!!
5) Will you follow up with a second community cat book?
I would really love to write a sequel to this book and will be observing other com cats to build up stories to write about them.
Memoirs of a Community is now available in all 4 (Orchard; Ĺiang Court, Bugis and Jurong) Kinokuniya bookstores under the Japanese literature department. Part of the royalties goes back to helping our fellow community cats!
Name: Dada
Sex: Male
Age: 0 yrs 2.5 mth old
Breed: Mixed
Health Condition: Good
Intact/Sterilised: No
Litter trained- Yes
Temperament: A very playful and active boy. He is very affectionate and attention seeking. He has a little habit of suckling on cotton clothes wore by family members.
Remarks Kitty is a rescued case. He has been dewormed one month ago. Not vaccinated yet.
Contact Nianjuan at 82674208
Dash belongs to a family that migrating and has to be rehomed by year end.Please help. He is of local breed - 7 years, ginger and white
He needs some getting use to people but once he is comfortable, he will be a great company.
Contact: Mdm Iz at 94877207
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