30-04-2025
Purr-fect plan to tackle stray cat population
Getting ready: Workers at the clinic preparing for the mass neutering of male cats on May 20.
MELAKA: A locally founded pet supply store here is making waves with an ambitious initiative aimed at tackling the state's growing stray cat population.
Cat Supermarket, under the stewardship of its proprietor Datuk Chew Chert Fong, is offering 200 free neutering slots for male cats.
'The record-breaking effort and the first campaign of its kind in the state is being organised by our subsidiary Cat Specialist Medical Centre Sdn Bhd (CSMC).
'This initiative isn't just about setting a record with the Malaysia Book of Records but also to manage the feral cat population and promote responsible pet ownership among the locals,' he said in an interview.
Chew said the mass neutering project will be held at a CSMC clinic next to the Cat Supermarket outlet in Paya Rumput on May 20.
He also hopes to collaborate with the Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) and plans to invite Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh to witness the event.
'The project will be also extended to my other branches in Selangor and Melaka in the future,' he said.
Chew also said the programme would be open to locals and animal shelters with 10 veterinarians on-site to perform the procedures.
'The initiative seeks not only to help control overpopulation but to improve the overall health and well-being of cats in the area,' he added.
Chew noted that stray cats often fall victim to abuse, disease, starvation, traffic accidents and uncontrolled breeding.
'Some pet owners will abandon their cats in public parks, hoping other people will take care of them.
'It's an unfortunate reality and neutering can address many of these issues,' he said.
Chew noted that based on research, neutering helps prevent testicular cancer and reduces the risk of prostate issues in male cats.
'Spaying females, likewise, helps prevent uterine infections.
'Beyond that, neutered cats are less prone to fighting, spraying urine and transmitting infectious diseases like feline immunodeficiency and feline leukemia viruses,' he said.
Chew added that neutered cats often enjoy longer and healthier lives, benefiting not just individual animals but the wider community.
'In short, neutering offers tremendous health and behavioural benefits,' he said.
