CATS ENRICH COUPLE’S LIFE
Senior citizens derive joy from their seven ‘children’
DESPITE being financially strapped, childless and struggling with disability, the love between two senior citizens here is as strong as when they were married 30 years ago.
Mohd Ngadani Mokhtar, 62, and Asmah Amsar, 68, have not allowed life’s obstacles to dim their love for each other.
And one of the main things which have kept their bond strong over the years is their shared love of cats.
Mohd Ngadani, who is unable to walk, and Asmah, who suffers from ill health, are the proud owners of seven cats which they treat as if they were their own children.
Asmah said their lives had been brightened by the presence of the seven felines named Noni, Uji Rashid, Cok Mat, Bujan Kelanang, Pak Mat, Parang Tajam, Akak and Saerah.
“Our ‘children’ understand what we say. When we ask to be kissed, they would come and do so. When they are being scolded, they would go away.
“It is even more touching when I am tired and resting — they would come and ‘massage’ my body,” she said.
Asmah said all the cats were strays they had picked up from the streets, as her husband did not have the heart to see them neglected.
“We try out best to take care of the cats, even though we are in a difficult situation.
“Whatever we eat is what we feed them, too. Occasionally, I would buy cat food for them.”
For Hari Raya Aidilfitri, meanwhile, Asmah said they made do with what they had.