I’ve been feeding Huabao for about six years. Huabao had been drooling unusually for the past year and because she was still eating well, we didn’t want to touch or move her.
More than two months ago, out of nothing, the Town Council started to throw away everything that kind feeders left for the community cats, including water. I wrote to the officer at Jalan Basah Town Council to request to allow water to be placed at a corner and no matter how I begged them, they wouldn’t agree. I even took time to go to the rubbish chute to ask the cleaners to show mercy on the old cats as Singapore weather is always hot. They not only ignored me but also yelled at me.
In the end, we decided to bring Huabao home as we suspected that she may have kidney issues. I was struggling as to whether I should bring Curtain home as well, as both of them have been together for many years. I’ve also asked other feeders about what they think about bringing Curtain home with Huabao. They said he should be okay being alone on the ground.
I arranged a date for Huabao’s vet consultation as well as dental appointment. Everything went smoothly. Huabao does have kidney disease and she is on subcutaneous fluid on every other day. Dr Wendy extracted all her decayed teeth and now she is eating comfortably. She is totally comfortable at home.
After bringing Huabao home for a few days, two feeders came looking for me when I was feeding Curtain. I explained to them about Huabao’s conditions and one of them was expecting me to release her back to the community. I told her I can’t as she requires subcutaneous fluid. Another feeder who had been feeding her since she was a kitten came and from her, I got to know that Huabao is already 14-years-old.
I still go back to feed Curtain every night and leave a bowl of water like I always did. It is okay only for it to be thrown away by the cleaner the next morning. At least he gets water throughout night.
Every time after feeding the community cats at night, I would dedicate the merits for the cats’ safety. To me, what matters is always the intention.
Cats who teach me to fly... 