A man was caught on CCTV spitting in the sleeping area of Timmy, a beloved community cat in Everton Park, an HDB estate off Neil Road.
But when residents confronted him about it, he initially claimed he was just rinsing his mouth.
Source: Google Maps
A video of the man’s behaviour was posted on TikTok on Thursday (22 May),
The CCTV footage, which had a timestamp of 4.30am on 19 May, showed the man walking through an HDB void deck dressed in office wear and carrying a briefcase.
As he walked past a table, stools and a bench next to a wall, he released a stream of water from his mouth.
Source: @jjbings on TikTok
The user who posted the video said the area where he spat was where Timmy slept during the day.
The man did this at about 4am every day, they added.
Speaking to Shin Min Daily News, 36-year-old bakery owner Ms Lin (transliterated from Mandarin) said Timmy’s sleeping area is in the void deck of Block 5 Everton Park.
Over the past few months, water stains had been seen in the area, but residents did not initially think much of it.
However, when it became more frequent, they decided to install CCTV to see what was happening.
They saw the man spitting directly into Timmy’s sleeping area for three consecutive days, starting from 19 May.
Knowing that the man came home from work at the same time every day, some residents decided to wait for him.
When they confronted him in the early hours of Thursday (22 May) morning, he did not say anything at first and just nodded.
They followed him to the carpark, questioning him about the motives for his behaviour.
Source: Shin Min Daily News
In response, he pointed to his mouth, indicating that he was just rinsing his mouth.
But upon further interrogation, he admitted to spitting at the cat’s sleeping area and apologised.
He also promised not to do it again or accept further action from them.
Though the residents found the man’s behaviour unacceptable and unfathomable, they decided not to pursue the matter since he’d apologised.
Timmy is apparently a “celebrity” of sorts in the neighbourhood.
Residents said he appeared in the middle of last year, and they set up a “home” for him at his favourite corner outside a bakery.
Source: Google Maps
A Google page has also been set up for him. According to the photos posted, Timmy can be found resting in a number of places, including a small cot, in a basket, on a bench, or even inside a pot.
Source: Google Maps
There is even a sign informing passers-by about his name.
Source: Google Maps
Residents also take turns to feed him, clean his bed and take him to the vet if necessary.
Also read: Toa Payoh community cats allegedly slashed on their backs, SPCA & NParks involved
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Featured image adapted from @jjbings on TikTok and Google Maps.