LETTERS: The world celebrated International Cat Day on Aug 8.
Ancient Egyptians have the earliest known mention of cats in human history. Egyptians revered and regarded cats as gods.
Mafdet, the first recorded cat deity, was revered as protection against snakes, scorpions and evil.
Cats were, therefore, more than simply deities; they were also guardians.
Since then, cats have gained popularity throughout the world. Cats were the property of the affluent and powerful in the east, and the Greeks and Romans used them to manage pests.
Although many cats were killed during the Middle Ages in Europe due to superstition and the belief that they carried the sickness during the Black Death of 1348, it wasn't until the 1600s that cats' reputation began to improve.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare organised the inaugural International Cat Day in 2002.
This was designated to be the day to recognise cats, and other animal rights organisations joined in the celebration.
Many Malaysians love cats, but there are some who are not keen on them.
The Petknode incident in Petaling Jaya in 2011 was a shocking case of animal cruelty, where 60 pet cats had died and 300 were starved at the pet hotel.
While abandoned animals are a long-running issue, pet advocacy groups in Malaysia say the number has increased since the downturn started because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The stress and problems faced by people during lockdowns also contributed to a rise in cases of cats being abused and abandoned since 2020.
In 2020, a Department of Veterinary Services study showed that 61 per cent of pet owners had found strays, mainly cats, in their vicinity.
Malaysians are using social media to spread awareness by sharing videos of stray animals being rescued from dire conditions and near-death situations.
There are videos showing people rescuing cats or dogs on highways, feeding cats and dogs in streets, and crowdfunding to send strays to get medical treatment.
By taking advantage of social media, Malaysians are making a difference in animal welfare awareness.
SUZIANAH NHAZZLA ISMAIL
Shah Alam, Selangor
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
