Joint effort needed to control cat population — MCC

KOTA BHARU: Government departments, private sector and non-governmental organisations must work together to help neuter stray cats to control the cat population, said Malaysia Cat Club (MCC) president Khalid Rashid.

He said a joint effort was necessary as fees for neutering or spaying cats is rather expensive and could now exceed RM100 per cat.

“The public are now more aware and concerned with the welfare of cats. However, most of them cannot afford to send their cats to be neutered because it is costly.

“We hope the departments and agencies concerned will be able to provide low-cost spay or neuter clinics to encourage the public to protect cats and kittens,” he told Bernama when met at the Cats Fiesta 3.0 programme at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in Kubang Kerian, here, yesterday.

Khalid said the Veterinary Department and other healthrelated bodies could also conduct studies to search for cheaper alternatives in controlling the cat population.

He advised those who do not neuter their cats against abandoning the kittens at public places especially at markets to protect the wellbeing of the cats and community.

Meanwhile, Nor Haida Zahari, 38, a cat lover, said over the past 20 years she had been bringing home stray cats and today she has a collection of 40.

“Most cats were found in the market and when I took them in they were sick and covered with mange. It makes me happy to see them groomed and healthy again after a few months under my care,” she said. — Bernama