S'pore cat sanctuary raises S$40,000 in 1 day for over 80 sick, injured & old cats

A sanctuary housing over 80 vulnerable cats rescued from the streets will be able to continue its good work thanks to the public's donations.

The founder of the Purrs and Meows cat sanctuary, Tiffany Heng, put up a donation page hoping to raise S$19,998 for three months' expenses.

Heng's page had only mustered up S$5,720 as of Oct. 25, and the future of the felines under her care looked bleak.

Until she woke up on Oct. 26 to see an unbelievable sum of S$46,443 listed on her page.

All out of savings

Heng has dedicated her life to looking after the cats full-time.

Speaking to Mothership previously, Heng shared that she created Purrs and Meows for cats to seek refuge from the harsh conditions of the streets.

The sanctuary helps provide hospice care for injured or elderly cats, as well as rehabilitate those recovering from injury, illness, or behavioural issues, so that they may seek new forever homes.

Of the over 80 felines in residence, some suffer from conditions requiring extensive care, such as renal failure, while others are nursing pelvic fractures or dislocated limbs.

The shelter had self-funded their rescue work until recently, but are no longer able to sustain themselves with their savings drained and credit facilities unavailable.

Heng calculated that the shelter's rental space sets them back S$3,000 a month, excluding monthly utility fees and staff allowance which cost about S$600 and S$1,000 respectively.

"Along with rent, there're utilities, pet transport, supplies like cat food and litter, and basic health needs such as mandatory core vaccinations and monthly parasite protection for the cats. That amounts to almost S$7,000 a month."

Excess donations will fund rent, supplies, medical bills and more

Having raised more than double her dream amount, Heng can breathe a little easier knowing the future of her cats, at least for now, is secured.

An update on Purrs and Meows' Facebook page on Oct. 25 said the work "doesn't stop here" and that it would need "continued support" from the public.

Heng plans to use the excess donations to fund rent, supplies, staffing, and medical bills from November 2024 to January 2025.

"My sincere thanks to you and everyone who donated," she said. "I'm very overwhelmed now."

Top images via GoGetFunding