Ramlah Darus and her husband Salim Dahri run a shelter in Ipoh that houses over 150 feline residents. (Bernama pic)
IPOH: Housewife Ramlah Darus and her husband Salim Dahri’s daily routine starts at 7am, before they have even had breakfast, when they set out to feed the cats they had rescued from the streets.
First, they head to the back section of their house in Taman Perpaduan Koperasi here, where they will be greeted by the hungry cries of dozens of kittens.
After feeding them and cleaning their litter boxes, Ramlah, 62, rides her scooter to the market to buy some essentials. There, she keeps an eye out for homeless cats. If she finds any, she places them in a carrier, which she always brings along with her.
Meanwhile, Salim, 61, heads to a shelter near their home, which houses over 150 cats rescued from the market or found on the streets. He feeds the animals and cleans up the place.
Given the couple’s deep devotion to cats, it’s hard to believe they once disliked them intensely.
“We considered them dirty. Furthermore, I also suffer from asthma,” Ramlah shared, adding that everything changed after their son Fitri brought home a stray black cat named Tam.
“I was furious and my husband was against it, too. However, my son insisted on keeping the cat,” she recalled.
When Fitri left home to further his studies, they had no choice but to take care of the feline. Over time, they began to grow fond of Tam.
“I then secretly started rescuing stray cats and bringing them home to care for them. My husband initially disapproved but he, too, eventually warmed to the idea,” said Ramlah, who began her cat-rescue mission about eight years ago.
The rescue cats at Ramlah’s shelter were found at the nearby market or on the streets. (Bernama pic)
The mother of six said as the number of cats grew, caring for them became more challenging. This prompted her and her husband to search for a dedicated space to house the animals.
“Thank God, someone was kind enough to donate a plot of land nearby for us to build a cat shelter. We funded the construction ourselves,” she said, adding that they spend about RM1,000 a month on the cats.
“My husband, a retired policeman, is willing to use his pension money to ensure the welfare of these animals, which we see as a charitable act. We also have regular donors who contribute either food or money every month, which greatly helps us continue our mission.”
Ramlah explained that the rising cost of living has led to greater food and medical expenses for the animals.
“We feed them dry food and, occasionally, boiled chicken if there is any money left from donations. It becomes even more challenging when there are sick or injured cats. If they need urgent treatment, I take them to a private veterinary clinic, which can be very expensive. We also need funds to maintain the cat shelter.”
To earn extra money, Ramlah offers boarding services for cats whose owners are going on pilgrimage, vacations, or other trips.
Ramlah and Salim also established Persatuan Prihatin Kucing Jalanan Ipoh, Perak last year with their like-minded friends and family members. The NGO not only provides an opportunity for other activists to join them in their efforts, but also makes it easier to channel donations from the public.
“Honestly, my husband and I cannot afford to take care of the cats on our own. These animals are also creatures of Allah who need care and protection. Every time I share posts about our activities on social media, some kind-hearted people step forward to contribute,” she said.
Once harbouring a deep dislike for cats, Ramlah now believes the animals have brought much positivity to her life. (Bernama pic)
The couple’s kindness towards strays has not been without criticism, with some questioning why they care for so many cats despite their financial struggles.
“That’s the challenge. Not everyone agrees with what we’re doing. Some neighbours look at us disapprovingly, and there are those who say if we can’t afford it, we shouldn’t be keeping the cats. But my husband and I are determined to continue doing this as long as we are able.”
Ramlah also shared that taking care of these animals has positively impacted her life, especially when it comes to her asthma condition.
“I’ve suffered from severe asthma since I was a teen, but in the last few years, I’ve noticed that my asthma attacks have become less frequent, even when I’m exposed to dust and cat fur.
“Perhaps my body has grown accustomed to being in such an environment. Either way, I believe these cats ‘pray’ for the people who take care of them,” she said.
Ultimately, Ramlah believes that the positive changes in her life are a result of taking care of these animals. “If all the good we experience is a result of caring for these cats, I’m grateful and content,” she concluded.
Learn more about Persatuan Prihatin Kucing Jalanan Ipoh here. Ramlah can be contacted at 011-3976 4493.
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