Community cat found 'badly injured' at NUS, student organisation appealing for witnesses

Fred, a community cat at the National University of Singapore (NUS), was found "badly injured" near the College of Design and Engineering (CDE) on Nov. 13 night.

He was subsequently rushed to an animal hospital, and the vet suggested that Fred might "have been hit by a bicycle", according to an Instagram story posted by student organisation NUS CatCafe on Nov. 14.

Mothership understands that Fred is around four to five years old.

What happened

According to NUS CatCafe, the incident took place at around 10:30pm on the pavement leading to block EA along Engineering Drive 1.

The executive director of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Aarthi Sankar, told Mothership that a passerby called the society after noticing Fred's injuries.

It was "observed that [Fred] was unable to bear any weight on his left paw, possibly due to a fracture," shared Sankar.

Before an SPCA rescue officer could be deployed, the caller informed the society that they had managed to safely confine Fred and would be taking him to a private vet.

NUS CatCafe appealing for witnesses

A vet subsequently told NUS CatCafe that Fred would require "several procedures" and a referral to a specialist for his injuries.

The non-profit student organisation also added that it would be funding most of his treatment.

NUS Cat Cafe said it would be investigating the incident further to ascertain the cause of Fred's injuries.

At the same time, the organisation also appealed for witnesses to reach out.

Fred loved by many at NUS

Speaking to Mothership, a CDE student, who wished to be known only as Steve, said that Fred is "adored by many of his peers".

Steve said he personally also developed "a deep connection" with Fred since he began studying at NUS in 2021.

As the lab where he works lies in close proximity to where Fred likes to hang out, Steve has spent much time with Fred over the years.

"Whenever I have time after my studies, exam preparation, or meals, I would always find Fred and hang out with him. He always made my day," recounted Steve.

SPCA thanked those who helped Fred

Sankar told Mothership that SPCA is "grateful for the goodwill" of the caller who alerted SPCA about Fred, as well as those who assisted in Fred's rescue.

"Their swift action ensured that the cat was able to receive help promptly, maximising his chances of recovery," added Sankar.

Top images via NUS CatCafe & NUShare国大周边/Xiaohongshu