MADANI CAT PARK BECOMES INSPIRATION FOR STRAY ANIMAL PROTECTION

KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- Cat lovers are encouraged to prioritise adopting rescued street cats as pets rather than just buying animals.

MADANI Cat Park patron Datuk Azman Abidin said this approach not only reduces the number of stray cats, but also gives a new lease of life to animals that have been struggling to survive on the streets.

“Through a collaborative programme with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), this involves payment of RM150. It does not mean we are selling the cat, but rather as a commitment to prove that the community truly wants to care for the animal.

“These cats have been well cared for including being vaccinated before being handed over to their new owners,” he told reporters after officiating the Avenue Katz Adoption Fiesta at a shopping mall here today.

Also present at the event was Malaysia Animal Association, president Dr Arie Dwi Andika.

In related developments, Azman, who is also Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s political secretary, said the MADANI Cat Park project which was launched last year has now become one of the symbols of the government's concern for the welfare of stray animals, and this effort will be strengthened with the construction of a new, larger park.

He said the PM’s wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has expressed her desire to build another cat park on a larger scale to extend protection to more stray animals in need.

According to Azman, the MADANI Cat Park at the Sri Sabah Flats, which was inaugurated in 2023, now houses approximately 70 rescued cats.  The number changes from time to time depending on the adoption and relocation processes.

"The figure fluctuates because cats come and go. However, for every party that wants to adopt the animal as a pet, we will check their background first to prevent these cats from being used as food for their pets," he said.

Meanwhile, regarding Avenue Katz Adoption Fiesta, Azman said the programme runs from today till Sunday, and features various exciting activities including 40 cats ready for adoption, a cat fashion show,  petting zoo and vaccination services.

-- BERNAMA