Tiong Bahru community cat dies aged 19-20, was suffering from ‘old man problems’
Bob, a much-loved community cat in Tiong Bahru has died at the age of about 19 or 20, his carers said.
The cat had suffered from a chronic bladder problem that prompted residents to successfully crowdfund cash for his treatment.
Source: The Story of Bob – a very special cat on Facebook
They will now hold a memorial to celebrate his life in the coming weeks.
Tiong Bahru community cat died on 19 July
Bob’s death was announced by his carer in a Facebook post on Thursday (25 July).
It said he passed away peacefully on 19 July, in the care of his vet, after suffering from “old man problems”. He was estimated to be almost 19 or 20 — about 92 to 96 in human years.
Source: The Story of Bob – a very special cat on Facebook
His last photo alive was taken after he’d just listened to the singing of one of his humans over the phone.
Source: The Story of Bob – a very special cat on Facebook
His carers believe he left the world “when he was ready and without too much suffering”.
Memorial for Tiong Bahru community cat will take place in the coming weeks
Following his passing, Bob was cremated on 21 July at 2pm, surrounded by his carers and Tiong Bahru residents.
His ashes will be kept for an upcoming memorial in the coming weeks.
Source: The Story of Bob – a very special cat on Facebook
The details of the memorial will be shared on his Facebook page, and all are welcome.
He suffered from chronic bladder problem
Bob had stolen the hearts of Tiong Bahru residents since he appeared at Eng Hoon Street in 2009, reported The New Paper (TNP) in a 2018 article.
But he suffered an accident in 2010 and needed surgeries. He also developed a chronic bladder problem.
Source: The Story of Bob – a very special cat on Facebook
Faced with thousands of dollars in veterinary bills, residents and shop owners banded together to raise S$20,000.
This gave Bob a new lease on life, but his condition worsened in 2018.
About 10 residents had to take turns administering a saline drip to hydrate him. They also let him into their homes every night.
Source: The Story of Bob – a very special cat on Facebook
Carers raised more than S$5,000 for his medical treatment
Needing more funds for visits to the vet and medical supplies, his carers set up a crowdfunding campaign on Give.asia, which successfully raised more than S$5,000.
After the money ran out, his carers continued raising money for him, most recently during a fundraiser last December.
Source: The Story of Bob – a very special cat on Facebook
All donations were placed in a bank account managed by a volunteer and were used only to pay for his medical supplies, medication, hospitalisation costs and vet consultation fees.
Photos of the receipts of the transactions were posted on his Facebook page.
Bob was an indelible part of the neighbourhood
Residents told TNP that Bob had become an “icon” in Eng Hoon Street.
Not only was he an indelible part of the neighbourhood, but he brought people together, resident Kelvin Ang said.
He also knew when to give attention to humans who needed company, he added.
Source: The Story of Bob – a very special cat on Facebook
Thus, residents decided to care for him as long as it takes.
Also read: Jurong East Community Cat Passes Away After 13 Years, Residents Reminisce Fond Memories
Jurong East Community Cat Passes Away After 13 Years, Residents Reminisce Fond Memories
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Featured image adapted from The Story of Bob – a very special cat on Facebook and Facebook.
