SPV seeks donations to build new shelter for disabled and elderly cats

KUCHING: Rescuing stray or abandoned cats is no easy task, and it becomes even more challenging when most of the cats are disabled or elderly.

This is the situation faced by Street Paws Volunteer (SPV), also known as Animal Rescue Volunteers, who are helping approximately 62 disabled stray cats rescued due to various health issues.

SPV is currently working to raise funds for the construction of a new shelter for these cats at the SPV Mini Animal Shelter.

According to the founder of SPV and Animal Rescue Volunteer, Arzuna Abdullah, the new shelter is urgently needed as the existing temporary shelter is no longer usable.

“The new shelter being constructed is located next to the home of Siti Nazira Taib, who is also the caretaker of the SPV Mini Animal Shelter and an animal rescue volunteer.

Photos of cats rescued by SPV

“However, due to financial constraints, SPV is now in need of donations from kind-hearted individuals to cover the construction costs, which are estimated at RM6,783.

“We are aiming to raise a total of RM15,000, and so far, we have managed to collect RM8,207 from generous members of the public,” she said yesterday.

Arzuna explained that many expenses remain for the ongoing construction, such as purchasing wood, stone, cement, sand, iron, roofing, and more.

“We warmly welcome any donations for the SPV Mini Shelter so that we can provide a more comfortable place for the cats under SPV’s care.

“We have organised various activities to raise funds, such as charity sales, cat neutering campaigns, cat exhibitions, online sales, and social media donation drives.

Photos of SPV’s new shelter that still needs funding

“For public information, the new shelter is expected to accommodate around 80 cats, offering a more comfortable space for them,” she said.

Arzuna added that the SPV Mini Shelter is located in Kota Samarahan, where they help rescue stray cats around Kuching, Kota Samarahan, and nearby areas.

“We hope that individuals or organisations will come forward to donate so that the shelter can be completed as soon as possible.

“We plan to move the cats to the new shelter by the end of this year at the latest, as the current temporary shelter will be closed soon. Therefore, we are appealing to the public for donations and support,” she said.

Arzuna also expressed her gratitude to shops and clinics that have supported and contributed to SPV, such as JJ Petshops, The Animal Kingdom Sdn Bhd Petshop, Animal Central Veterinary Clinic, and Dr Zawani Animal Clinic.

Anyone wishing to donate to SPV to help build the new shelter for the rescued cats can contact Arzuna at 016-2448744.