'80% from our own money': This couple has been feeding stray cats in Bedok for 16 years

Whenever we see community cats, we might comment on how cute they are or indulge them in the occasional treat or pets.

But a couple has kept up an impressive routine to ensure their neighbourhood's feline residents are well-fed. 

A 66-year-old woman, affectionately nicknamed Cik Zie (Auntie Zie), and her husband have been feeding the cats around the Bedok Reservoir area for more than 16 years.

In a video posted to TikTok on Tuesday (Sept 22) by The Give Collective, the couple showed a glimpse into the life of a cat feeder.

Cik Zie and her husband begin preparing cat food at about 6pm every day and start their feeding rounds at 10pm, visiting nearby HDB blocks with a trolley full of meals.

The rounds take about two hours to complete, according to the video, after which Cik Zie works as a cleaner at a clinic and an assistant during the day.

They then return at about 4am to clear the plates after the cats have had their fill, and before the birds begin picking on any leftovers, the elderly woman shared.

When asked where the funds for the cat food come from, Cik Zie said: "80 per cent [is] our own money, 20 per cent from cat groups and friends."

A month's worth of cat food costs about $1,500 to $1,600, she added.

[embed]https://www.tiktok.com/@thegivecollectivesg/video/7687857543871302933[/embed]

Cik Zie also shared that she and her husband were approached by Luni Singapore — a nonprofit dedicated to caring for street cats — some time back, and now receive financial help from them.

This is especially the case for pricey veterinary bills when the community cats fall sick.

Despite their unwavering dedication to caring for Bedok Reservoir's feline residents, the couple surprisingly aren't cat lovers.

"Actually, I don't really like cats... My husband also doesn't like cats," Cik Zie said.

She explained that they have been feeding their community cats for such a long time as they feel pity for the animals, especially those which were abandoned by their owners and did not know how to hunt for food.

"It's not their fault (they were abandoned)," she said.

Cik Zie added that if she does not feed the cats for even one night, she can't fall asleep and has to go down to check on them. She often finds them waiting for her in these instances.

When asked if she had a message for those watching the video, she said she hopes that people will be understanding of why they do what they do. 

The elderly woman also encouraged people who wish to help out during these feeding rounds to approach her, stating that she will provide the cat food for them to do so.

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bhavya.rawat@asiaone.com