LOVE Washes Over Elderly Brothers’ House of Cats

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By Noah’s Ark CARES in Johor, Malaysia

How many of us are guilty of endlessly chasing after materialistic wants in modern society because our basic needs are so easily fulfilled that we take it for granted? We cannot decide on which new handbag to buy online or we’re busy looking through itineraries for a holiday. Though Singapore is a fast developing country, there will be always a group of disadvantaged and needy citizens struggling to make ends meet everyday.

A friend who regularly feeds strays, E, called one afternoon and asked for help to sterilize some cats in a flat. Apparently there was a population explosion and the flat owners were unable to cope with it. I hurriedly scribbled down some details and arranged a home visit with E and another volunteer to check out the situation.

Upon reaching the door of the flat, E knocked and called for some time before the flat owners finally opened the door. We were taken aback as a pungent stench of feces and urine hit us right in the face. Upon walking in, a mother cat with two kittens from separate litters lifted her head up and stared blankly at me. Her younger kitten was just a few days old with eyes unopened, lying down on some old and soiled newspapers.

The two elderly brothers who greeted us seemed worried and somewhat wary. E told them “we are here to help with the cats” and they heaved a sigh of relief. They are nearing their 70s and live together in this flat that they bought many years ago. Though the flat has been fully paid for and they at least have a roof over their heads, their financial status and living conditions were worrying. Only one of the brothers was mobile and the other had difficulty walking. The healthier brother made a living by collecting and selling cardboard boxes, but his earnings were meager.

The dimly lit house had windows which were old and rusty and the stained and soiled walls badly needed a fresh coat of paint. The floor laminate had come off in some areas, probably because it had been constantly soaked with cat urine. The house was unkempt, unhygienic and dirty.

On an old metal trolley and a rusty bread tray, there were empty cat kibble packets and wet food cans. We later asked the brothers about their expenses for the cats. They spend close to $50 weekly, which means $200 each month. With only one sole breadwinner and with so many mouths to meet, how did they land themselves in such a dire situation?

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Read more: harmony-fund, hoarders, noahs ark cares

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Sheri S.

3:50PM PST on Jan 30, 2012

I realize that many people would say the brothers got what they deserved for taking in and feeding animals not theirs and that they could not afford. I do not agree. The Ng brothers were showing the love and caring that more people should find in their hearts. Fortunately the majority of the cats are within visiting range and even better the brothers got a clean new home that will serve them well. I would say that, on the whole, everybody won in this case.

send a green star

Lost A.

4:51AM PST on Jan 30, 2012

God bless them.

Karen F.

12:55PM PST on Jan 11, 2012

They have good hearts.

Carrie Anne B.

1:30PM PST on Nov 15, 2011

Thanks for sharing this article, glad everything got sorted out in the end! :)

Jo L.

5:51PM PST on Nov 10, 2011

I agree with Mandy. I believe the lack of options (i.e. no-kill shelters) is the leading cause for hoarding and animals being abandoned in many areas. I would never take an animal to a kill-shelter, and that leaves few options especially for those with limited finances.

Carole R.

8:47PM PDT on Nov 5, 2011

What a great story. Thank you for all your kind help.

Joslynne D.

12:10PM PDT on Nov 4, 2011

This brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for helping these two wonderful gentlemen. Maybe, now that the cats are fixed, they could have one for a companion.

Rossy O.

9:59PM PDT on Nov 3, 2011

So over whelmed with the amount of human love shown in this article, from E's friend through to the unit being re furbished. What a wonderful gift for these gentlemen, who gave of themselves for the original 3 stray cats.

I have always been of the opinion most of my life that every council (shire) should have a mobile Vet bus/van equiped to do spay & neutering of dogs and cats on set days in different streets at a very very affordable rates.

This would alleviate sooo much pain and suffering of strays and the enormous costs to destroying animals and having millions of animals dumped in the bush, streets and shelters each year.

Shelters have their place for beloved pets needing to be rehomed for no fault of their own as circimstances arise through life.

Why won't people do this?????

Brigid C.

1:50PM PDT on Nov 3, 2011

I am so happy to see thee cats clean and ehalthy and the brothers in a cleaned up place It is wonderful to hear these stories of good people helping others

Val L.

7:11PM PDT on Nov 2, 2011

What kind souls these brothers are.God bless everyone that helped the brothers out.