KUANTAN – When floods strike, the authorities focus hard on evacuating human victims – sometimes at the expense of our furry friends.
This has prompted a group with a strong affection for cats here – who call themselves Sahabat Kucing Jalanan Pahang (SKJP) – to take charge of the mission to rescue feline victims.
SKJP chairman Jurina Abdul Rani said during the recent floods, she and her fellow club members rescued 200 cats, including strays, here and in Pekan.
“During floods, evacuating companion animals, such as cats, are often overlooked... some have called me crying as no one could take care of or feed the stray cats that often come to their house.
“As cat lovers, we took the initiative to save these cats, despite having to brave the rain and wade through floodwaters. We try our best to save as many cats as we can,” she said here today.
Recounting the challenges she and her team faced during their missions, Jurina said transport is among a major hurdle for them as many roads are closed.
“We have to borrow or rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle. When we were in Kg Acheh, Pekan, we had to borrow a boat from a villager to rescue several cats that were stranded on the roof of a house that was inundated.
“Apart from that, some cats act aggressively during the evacuation process, as most of them are afraid of water,” she said.
Jurina said about 150 cats rescued here have been placed at a cat shelter in Pelindung, as well as several club members’ houses, while in Pekan, they are being housed at SKJP cat hut.
“In terms of food, we seek donations through Facebook and although the response is not encouraging, we will try our best so that these animals eat well and stay healthy.”
Meanwhile, she said as Pahang has fully recovered from the floods and in view of the movement control order to start tomorrow, all cat owners have been asked to take back their pets.
Jurina said SKJP will continue to look after the street cats for the time being.
Those seeking to lend a helping hand to SKJP can do so via bank transfer to 556093261496 (Maybank). – Bernama, January 21, 2021
