Concerns raised after nasi lemak found at community cat feeding spot
A photo showing nasi lemak left at a community cat feeding tray has sparked discussion online, with concerns raised over the suitability of food given to stray animals.
The Original Poster (OP), identified as Ms M, took to Facebook page Support Tampines Cat Caregivers to urge members of the public to have more compassion when feeding community cats.
Nasi lemak spotted in cat feeding tray
On Monday (20 April) morning, Ms M spotted a mess at the community cats’ feeding tray.
Besides the tray of cat food and water, there was also a pile of nasi lemak — with sambal and a slice of cucumber, for good measure.
The exact location where Ms M spotted the messy feeding tray is unknown.
“Come on, human… I believe we can do better than this. Have some compassion to the community cats,” the caption wrote.
Ms M added that doing this to the cats is “causing [more] harm” than good.
Speaking to MS News, she shared that this was not the first time human food was left at said location.
Previously, Ms M had spotted a “small fish” left for the cats.
Area cleaned to prevent pests
“As I do keep plastic bags and all, I cleaned up the mess, wiped the [area] with water-based wet wipes, and rinsed the plates with water,” Ms M explained.
Source: Support Tampines Cat Caregivers on Facebook. Image for illustration purposes only.
She added that she is familiar with the animals in the area and wants others to be aware of how to better care for these cats.
Ms M shared that she has been caring for community cats since May 2024, after rescuing an abandoned cat from the same area.
Cat feeder urges for more responsible feeding
A fellow cat feeder from the same community, identified as Wendy, acknowledged the public’s good intentions in wanting to feed the cats.
“Unfortunately, most lack the knowledge on proper nutrition for the cats, and they do not actually know that feeding human food or food for dogs can actually do more harm,” she explained.
Wendy noted that, due to this, the cat feeders have to frequently handle sick cats and cover vet visits with their own money or donors.
Advising the public, she said that people should never feed human food to cats, as it may cause health issues for them.
“They are small, but it does not mean just feeding them small amounts of human food will do,” Wendy said.
Source: Give.asia. Image for illustration purposes only.
As for feeding community cats in public, she noted that many in Singapore still feel that feeding strays at public areas is illegal.
However, it is worth noting that there are no legal provisions prohibiting the feeding of stray animals in neighbourhood estates.
We should never leave food and walk away. Always be responsible and ensure that we wait for the cats to finish and clean up before leaving.
Additionally, water bowls should always be cleaned, keeping the area pest-free, as well as ensuring the cats are encouraged to drink.
Wendy added: “Only with such best practices can we build trust and tolerance within the entire community, and strays can coexist in our living environment.”
Also Read: Woman in S’pore spots abandoned cat in drain, believes owner left it during Hari Raya
Woman in S’pore spots abandoned cat in drain, believes owner left it during Hari Raya
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Featured image adapted from Support Tampines Cat Caregivers on Facebook.Â
