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Free Malaysia Today
a day ago
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Seroja Inn: a sanctuary of hope for over 300 cats
Nurul Ain Abdul Hamid, founder of Seroja Inn Home Shelter, is deeply passionate about giving sick and injured cats and dogs a second chance in life. (Fauzi Yunus @ FMT Lifestyle) SHAH ALAM : Nurul Ain Abdul Hamid was still a college student when she rescued her first cat. She had witnessed the feline being hit by a car. To her dismay, the driver had not even stopped to check on the animal. Ain was not able to walk away when she saw how much pain the cat was in. She immediately rushed it to a veterinary clinic, and later reached out to a rescuer who took the cat in after it was discharged. This marked the beginning of Ain's journey into the world of animal rescue. In 2012, she founded Seroja Inn (SI) Home Shelter with her family. Today, the shelter in Shah Alam houses over 300 cats – but not just any cats. 'We focus on those that are sick, especially those in critical condition – for instance, cats with feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). FIV is similar to HIV in humans,' Ain explained. 'There is no cure for FeLV and FIV. We will care for these cats for the rest of their lives, as it is hard to find adopters for them.' They also take in cats with parvovirus, feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), fungal infections such as sporotrichosis, and those injured in accidents. 'We will treat these cats until they are healthy. Once they recover, we will spay or neuter and vaccinate them, then put them up for adoption.' Can you tell that these adorable cats are eagerly waiting for food? (Fauzi Yunus @ FMT Lifestyle) Most of these cats live in a three-storey shoplot, while senior cats and those that are completely blind are cared for in Ain's own home. Taking FMT Lifestyle around the shelter, Ain, 32, shared that the first floor is primarily designated for cats undergoing treatment, which is why they are kept in cages here. Meanwhile, the second floor is home to healthy cats that are ready for adoption. Over 20 paralysed cats also live here. 'The third floor is where we quarantine new arrivals for at least two weeks before spaying, neutering and vaccinating them,' Ain pointed out, adding that most of these cats are her own personal rescues. Her compassion for animals also extends to dogs. Her late father, she revealed, had been a fellow animal lover who would also rescue canines. She recalls rescuing her first dog in Melaka after hearing it had been unable to walk and had remained in the same spot for days. Ain brought the dog to a veterinary clinic, where it received much-needed treatment. The felines charmed the FMT Lifestyle team with their catty antics. (Fauzi Yunus @ FMT Lifestyle) Today, SI Home Shelter also has 11 dogs in its care. Asked about her views about dogs in the context of her religious beliefs, she replied: 'In Islam, we can perform the 'sertu', a cleansing ritual done seven times. 'As a Muslim, I've never neglected my religious obligations just because I care for dogs. I pray, and I know how to purify myself.' Challenges and fulfilment Running a shelter is not for the weak-hearted: it's a commitment that calls for unwavering dedication, emotional resilience, and significant financial resources. Ain said the shelter's monthly operational costs exceed RM20,000, which cover food, cat litter, rent, staff salaries, utilities, and veterinary expenses. While it largely depends on public donations, Ain and her husband also contribute out of their own pockets. Her husband runs his own business, while Ain juggles a part-time clerical job and a small business selling handmade items such as toys. They also have a nine-year-old son with special needs. These shelter residents have found a place of safety, healing and love. (Fauzi Yunus @ FMT Lifestyle) Despite the many challenges, Ain remains steadfast in her mission. 'Once I stepped into the world of animal rescue, there was no turning back. These cats are my responsibility, and I can't abandon them.' For her, fulfilment comes in witnessing an animal's recovery after receiving proper care. 'I am happiest when they eventually find a new family,' she concluded. Connect with Nurul Ain on Instagram. To make a donation or adopt a furry friend, send a WhatsApp message to 013-513 1833.
Miami Herald
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
‘TikTok famous' cat needed a home. Adoption left NC shelter ‘over the moon'
A cat with a rough past became 'TikTok famous' — then his luck took another turn for the better. Theodore, known for his 'toothless' grin and charming high-pitched noises, finally was adopted in North Carolina. 'We are OVER THE MOON,' the Humane Society of Catawba County wrote April 19 on Facebook. 'From barn life to shelter life to home life, Theodore's journey hasn't been easy, but his heart has always been full of love (and the most adorable squeaks). His new family saw exactly what we've known all along: that Theodore is one in a million.' Theodore got a fresh start after he faced hardship. He lost his previous owner and was diagnosed with feline immunodeficiency virus, a disease that weakens cats' immune systems. 'Once a beloved indoor pet, he was tossed into barn life after his owner passed and exposed to FIV,' the shelter wrote on social media April 16, when Theodore was still in need of a home. 'But now he's back indoors and living his best calm, cozy life. FIV hasn't slowed him down — it just means he needs an adopter who's cool with regular vet checkups.' As the 9-year-old cat waited for a second chance, video captured him staring through a shelter door. The footage was posted March 30 on TikTok, with the caption: 'went to the humane society today to adopt a cat. this one caught my attention right away...' In less than a month, the post has garnered more than 885,000 views. Some people who commented on the video noticed Theodore's smiling face, while others couldn't wait for an adoption update. Meanwhile, the shelter attributed the cat's TikTok stardom to 'his endearingly goofy expression (thank you, missing teeth).' Theodore also became known for his love of naps and cuddling. Eventually, the person who took the TikTok video adopted him, according to Kaitlyn Ewing, the shelter's director of intake, rescue and foster coordination. A photo posted online shows Theodore snuggling in someone's arms as he kicked off his next chapter. 'Staff members were sad to see him leave, as he was a favorite here, but very happy he will get the best second chance after we fought so hard to find his forever home,' Ewing told McClatchy News via email. 'He was the most personable, funny-faced, sweet cat you could ever meet.' The humane society is in the Hickory area, a roughly 55-mile drive northwest from Charlotte.
Newsweek
13-05-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Heartwarming Video Shows Stray Cat's Life Transformed After Finding A Home
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A once-stray cat who used to survive by climbing trees and eating cicadas is now living in comfort with a devoted owner — and the internet is loving his transformation. In a TikTok video shared by @straycation3, the black-and-white cat is seen curled up under blankets in his own double bed, falling asleep while watching birds on a tablet. Text overlay reads: "The random cat I found outside last summer," while the caption adds: "He used to climb trees and eat cicadas, now he yells at me if his $100 litter box isn't cleaned 3x a day." Unvaccinated and unneutered cats face serious risks outdoors, making his new life indoors all the more dramatic and heartwarming. Pet MD explains that cats that roam outside live much-shorter lives than their indoor counterparts. It is estimated that, while an indoor cat may live 15 to 17 years, outdoor cats live only about two to five years. Most often, especially in urban and suburban areas, outdoor cats lose their life after getting run over by traveling vehicles. But that is not the only threat that felines face out in the streets. Former stray cat now naps in luxury, falling asleep to bird videos on his very own tablet. Former stray cat now naps in luxury, falling asleep to bird videos on his very own tablet. TikTok/straycation3 Dr. Nita Vasudevan, veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance, previously told Newsweek that dogs, coyotes, hawks, and even other cats in the streets can cause injury or transmit diseases such as FeLV [feline leukemia virus], FIV [feline immunodeficiency virus], fleas, ticks, and internal parasites. The streets also expose them to all sorts of rodenticides, toxic plants, and chemicals, which can be fatal to felines. Moreover, cats are natural hunters, which means they also pose a threat to the local fauna. Authorities in America estimate that felines are responsible for killing between 1.4 and 3.7 billion birds and 6.9 to 20.7 billion mammals every year. While feral cats kill the most animals, pet felines with access to the outdoors also do contribute to this number. The video quickly went viral on social media and has so far received over 3.9 million views and more than 800,400 likes on the platform. One user, MalkavianActs, commented: "How quickly they adapt to spoiled life." EnniRae said: "My previously feral cat yells for me to turn on the TV so he can watch his 'shows'. Like damn, pay some rent my guy." Minda added: "His head resting against the iPad screen. My heart is melting." Newsweek reached out to @straycation3 for comment via TikTok comments. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
India.com
28-04-2025
- Health
- India.com
These animals are most likely to be affected by HIV AIDS; dogs and cats show symptoms like...
HIV AIDS in animals: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection was first identified in Central Africa. Here, the virus initially spread among chimpanzees. While chimpanzees are the only animals reliably infected with HIV, other animals like gibbons, mice, rabbits, baboons, and rhesus monkeys have been shown to be infected under certain conditions, but they haven't developed the disease. Important animal models for HIV research include great apes, Asian monkeys with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), and infections of ungulates and cats with HIV-related lentiviruses. From chimpanzees, this virus spread to humans. In the late 18th century, HIV began to spread from chimpanzees to humans. The virus found in chimpanzees of the same species is called Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV). It is said that when humans hunted chimpanzees for food, they came into contact with the blood of infected chimpanzees, which is how the virus spread to humans. In cats, this virus is referred to as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), which is similar to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Its symptoms vary. After an initial infection, some cats may appear healthy for several years. Later, this virus begins to weaken the nervous system. FIV is primarily transmitted through biting from infected cats. Its symptoms include fever, weight loss, lethargy, loss of appetite, inflammation of the gums and mouth. Other symptoms are chronic or recurrent infections in the eyes, skin, upper respiratory tract, or bladder. Some cats may experience neurological disorders like seizures or behavioural changes.
The Herald Scotland
27-04-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Sussex RSPCA: 5 pets who are looking for new homes
Whether you want to adopt a dog, cat, rabbit or guinea pig, there are plenty of choices. A few animals from the branch are listed below, but more can be found on the centre's website. To help the RSPCA branches carry on their work, you can donate to them on the websites here and here. Ayla Ayla (Image: RSPCA) Gender - Female Age - Four years old Breed - Terrier crossbreed Colour - Tan If you want to adopt Ayla you can view her full profile here. Ayla arrived at the RSPCA with untreated ear and eye infections and very itchy skin that was causing her discomfort. After months of treatment, she is feeling much better, but is still on some treatment for her skin that her new owner will need to continue with. Overall, she is described as a "wonderful little dog with lots of personality", but can be a bit cautious at first around new people. Alya loves nothing more than long walks, and she is especially fond of the seafront. The RSPCA adds: "She would be perfect for someone who works from home and/or retired and wants the constant loving affection that Ayla gives. KitKat KitKat (Image: RSPCA) Gender - Female Age - Two years old Breed - Domestic Shorthair crossbreed Colour - Ginger If you want to adopt KitKat you can view her full profile here. KitKat is described as a sweet cat who is full of energy and can be very cheeky. She really loves her food and will try her luck at taking anything edible that you leave unattended. Due to her food-loving tendencies, she will not be suitable for living with young children and other animals. She would benefit from an experienced cat home who loves to play and give her lots of fuss. The RSPCA adds: "She is a very outgoing girl and loves to explore so would love a home where she can have lots of outdoor space." Bear Bear (Image: RSPCA) Gender - Male Age - One year old Breed - Domestic Shorthair crossbreed Colour - Black If you want to adopt Bear you can view his full profile here. Bear is said to have a "cheeky and loving personality" who enjoys cuddles and sitting on people's laps. He has FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus), so he will need to be an indoor-only cat. Ideally, this would be a large home with plenty of space for enrichment to keep him occupied. It may also be helpful to have a catio to allow him some enclosed outdoor space. Bear can get some separation anxiety when left alone, so he would like a home where he has human company for a large part of the day. Aubin and Alaska Aubin and Alaska (Image: RSPCA) Gender - Male (Aubin) and Female (Alaska) Age - Two years old Breed - Crossbreed Colour - White (Aubin) and Harlequin (Alaska) If you want to adopt Aubin and Alaska you can view their full profile here. Aubin and Alaska came into the RSPCA after being born in foster care and are looking to find a home together. Recommended reading: They are "strong-willed characters" who don't enjoy being picked up as they tend to wriggle. Aubin will need regular grooming due to his long mane and Alaska loves a cardboard box to play with. The RSPCA adds: "In their next home, they will need a large setup, shed or wendy house with a run attached. They could also live indoors as they are clean."
