A 71-year-old man named Uncle Ong has been feeding stray cats in the Kallang industrial area every day for the past 17 years. Despite his age and physical ailments, he continues this routine, spending over S$400 monthly on cat food from his S$1,000-plus salary. His dedication has garnered public support, with donations helping to ease his financial burden.
Background
Uncle Ong’s commitment to feeding stray cats began nearly two decades ago. He drives a bus to Kallang daily, regardless of the weather, to ensure the cats are fed and have clean water. His story gained attention when it was revealed that he spends a significant portion of his modest income on cat food, prompting donations from the public.
Feeds more than 30 cats a day
Uncle Ong feeds over 30 cats in Kallang and Hougang, where he lives. After his story was shared, donations started coming in, helping him manage the costs. Despite the financial support, the physical demands of his routine are taking a toll on him. Regular updates on his mission are provided to maintain transparency and accountability.
He is irreplaceable
The cats rely solely on Uncle Ong for their sustenance. If he were to stop, the cats would likely starve as there is no one else to take over his role. The Kallang area is remote, making it difficult to find volunteers willing to help daily. While a volunteer system could be a solution, setting it up and ensuring its daily operation is a significant challenge. Uncle Ong plans to continue his mission until he physically cannot, a thought that saddens him.
It takes a village to feed so many cats
Uncle Ong is considering retiring from his bus-driving job and using public transport to continue feeding the cats. This would involve carrying heavy supplies daily, a daunting task given his deteriorating health. He has suffered injuries and sought medical treatment multiple times. Public donations have eased his financial burden, with Steven Chan, owner of S&S Pet’s Shop, coordinating the distribution of cat food. Despite rising costs due to global inflation, Chan has kept prices stable. An informal support network has also emerged, with locals occasionally offering food and money.
He never asked for credit
Many believe that cat lovers should adopt stray cats, but this is often impractical. The cats in Kallang trust only Uncle Ong, making it difficult for others to approach them. Until his story became public, the only appreciation he received was from the cats themselves. He has never sought recognition for his efforts and continues his mission out of pure dedication.
How to donate
Those wishing to support Uncle Ong can purchase cat food for him via this link. Smaller contributions can be made by contacting S&S Pet’s Shop at [email protected].
