ALMOST everyone by now knows that in Japan, there is a particular island popularly known for its significant feline residents called Aoshima (a.k.a. Cat Island).
But did you know that there is also a similar location here in Malaysia with more paws than people too?
Well, at least where a particular side of Penang (island) is concerned, animal lovers and volunteers have made it possible for more than 300 rescued cats and kittens to take refuge at Cat Beach Sanctuary, situated in the northwest corner of Malay fishing village of Teluk Bahang, just about an hour away from busy George Town.
Forever abode: ‘Think globally, act locally’
Managed under the umbrella of nonprofit organisation Cat Lovers International Society, its mission is to improve the welfare of cats in Penang while at the same time reaching out to communities across the globe to celebrate all things that are feline related.
A place born out of the love and compassion for animals, Cat Beach Sanctuary has become a safe haven for cats and cat lovers since 2014.
The idea to create it started when Penang Animal Welfare Society and 4PAWS dog shelter founder Barbara Janssen, together with her cat-loving friend Teviot Fairervis, met fisherman Nana Wanchik.
Wanchik at the time had been feeding stray cats for almost a decade and after sharing their great passion together, Cat Beach Sanctuary was established with the hope of rescuing some of the feline population from desperate situations to live and receive regular loving care in a conducive environment.
They first began their initiative by converting an old wooden house on the beach of Teluk Bahang into a shelter for cats in need.
Cat beach sanctuary, Teluk Bahang, Penang. Boleh adopt, volunteer atau donate untuk bantu. pic.twitter.com/3xukiWOJ4q
— Nizam ?? (@NizamArchibald) February 2, 2018
Why Cat Beach?
When Penang state put the ‘zero strays policy’ into effect back in July 2014, it meant that rescued cats could not be returned to their home colonies. Existing shelters have also struggled with adequate space to keep cats long-term.
While the non-profit supports the effort of removing cats and other animals from the streets, they do not condone killing as a solution. This is where Cat Beach Sanctuary comes in by providing homeless cats a place to turn to with a strict ‘no kill’ principle.
Cat Beach Sanctuary is open for the public 9am to 9pm daily.
Currently, the place is working hard to host future projects that encourage more active community involvement. Among them include publications and educational programs, internships for veterinary students and training for those who wish to learn more about cat care.
Much like other non-profit establishments, the pandemic has caused setbacks in its operations. However, the people behind the Cat Beach won’t allow it to stop them from giving care to cats in need, together with the help of loving Malaysians. – The Vibes, November 7, 2021
* Find out how you can help the initiative by visiting Cat Beach Sanctuary on Facebook or its website. Donations to help the sanctuary recover from the pandemic can be channelled here or via http://www.gofundme.com/catloversintl
