Adoption drive for rescued Siamese cats sees ‘encouraging’ response

SINGAPORE – The first adoption drive for 94 Siamese cats rescued from a two-room Sengkang flat has seen an “encouraging” response, according to its organiser Saving the Siameses.

Speaking to TODAY, one of the team administrators Angela Ling, 40, said the effort to rehome the first batch of 18 cats was one of their largest adoption drives as animal welfare volunteers so far. The team had set up a booth yesterday at the Wow Pets @ Sengkang West event at Anchorvale Community Club.

In June, rescuers found the cats in poor condition, with matted fur, eye infections, flu and wounds.

Since then, seven cats have died and 16 are in a cattery. The remaining 71 cats, aged between less than a year old to 15 years old, are at a commercial pet boarding facility.

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority is still looking into the case. A spokesperson said previously it was investigating the “cat hoarding case” because of “alleged welfare issues”.

Ms Ling said the Saving the Siameses team has been receiving offers and requests to foster and adopt the cats since the rescue mission. But they were not ready for adoption then owing to their health conditions.

The cats cannot be adopted on the spot, as potential adopters must undergo a screening process. They have to fill in an online questionnaire to find out what is required of a cat owner and to provide information about themselves.

The rescuers will then conduct home visits and advise potential owners how to install metal mesh over their windows, for example, and on the financial commitments in caring for a cat. If the process is successful, the adopters will have to pay a S$150 adoption fee to cover the rental of catteries, veterinary bills and other expenses such as supplements and food.

The team has spent about S$98,350 on the cats’ medical treatment and transport, among other things, covered by donations from members of the public. Excess funds will be donated to other animal welfare groups.

While most adoption processes for cats take about a month, Ms Ling said it would take longer in this case owing to the interest shown. There are plans to hold more adoption drives for these cats in future.

Among those who expressed their interest yesterday was teacher Ou Yang Xiuling, 28. She has been following updates on the cats through social media. But she will first have to convince her husband, as they already have a cat at home.

Another keen adopter is designer Emily Phua, 31. She wants to help after reading about the Siamese cats’ circumstances and also hopes to take in one because they are “fun and cuddly”. She added: “Why should I buy a cat when there are so many looking for a home?”

Guest of honour, Senior Minister of State (Health and Transport) Lam Pin Min, said there was a need to push for responsible pet ownership and that activities such as the one yesterday could help raise awareness.

“A lot of times, people buy pets in haste without really thinking of the consequences, especially when parents buy pets for their children as a present,” he added.