2026 is shaping up better for both Mel and me. Over the past 12 years, we have managed the community cat populations carefully and responsibly. We successfully closed four feeding areas, not by abandoning the cats, but by taking them home once the numbers dropped below five. The only exceptions were Malcom Road and Thomson, where authorities were involved and we had to take in 20 cats at one go.
At Whampoa, where we are still feeding, more than two feeders are now involved. They deliberately feed at the exact time I do every night. After repeated disagreements, I decided to hand over full responsibility to them. That’s when they panicked.
They expected me to continue to rescue sick and injured cats, sterilising those who weren’t, and rehoming those who could be rehomed. In short, they wanted me to bring the cats home. Whenever a problem came up, they conveniently passed my contact to others instead of stepping up themselves.
Not long after the disagreement, an unsterilised cat was abandoned and another was hit by a car. Mel and I knew exactly what would happen, they wouldn’t lay a finger on the cats. One feeder would cry but do nothing, while another would pretend not to see. I was even questioned by the one who cried, asked whether I had a conscience and whether I truly loved the community cats. Ironically, she answered her own question.
Mel has always been supportive. We’re okay. We are still there every night, even when no cats are eating, just to make sure the cats are safe. When the time is right, Mel and I will leave.
Over the years, the community cats we took in have grown old. Many have passed on. It’s not just the community cat population that is now under control, the number of cats in our home has also decreased. The numbers are still high, but they are much better compared to five years ago.
For the first time, Mel and I can see our savings again. Yes, it’s time to talk about retirement. We’re tired. We still take responsibility, and we still give our best. We just hope we live long enough to see all of them through.
About half of my cats at home are above eight-years-old this year. It’s challenging. Just like humans, the older they get, the more health issues appear. We’re expecting higher medical costs, and we’re grateful to have Dr Anu’s support, not in terms of bills, but guidance and advice.
I’ve been surrounded by cats all these years. If you ask me what the new year feels like, I’d say this: it is bearing fruit. The same goes for my spiritual path, results don’t come quickly, but they do come after sustained effort.
Cats who teach me to fly... 