Bedok community cat found dead in drain on Sep. 1, likely sought shelter from heavy rain

A well-loved community cat in Bedok, affectionately known as Penny, was found lifeless in a drain on Sep. 1.

The male cat was discovered at around 5:30pm near Block 133 Bedok North Avenue 3, where he was always seen.

Speaking to Mothership, resident Dawn Yap said that Penny was found by a feeder in the area after he did not show up for his feeding session.

Went missing from usual spot during feeding session

Yap, who was also there when Penny’s body was found, said that he had gone missing from his "usual spot" during his evening feeding session despite being present in the morning.

This prompted his feeder to search the area.

Yap added that it rained heavily in the afternoon that day.

Knowing that cats often seek shelter in drains, the feeder eventually found him inside one.

"Feeder found him quite fast... less than 15 minutes because she knows where Penny usually is," Yap said.

According to Yap, another resident had assisted to call a town council worker for help.

Penny's body was later retrieved and a pet cremation service was called in to give him a proper send-off.

Known as a "very vocal and friendly" cat

According to Yap, Penny first appeared at the block several years ago, likely abandoned or relocated.

Despite his difficult start, he became a familiar and vocal presence in the neighbourhood.

"He will always meow loudly at you when you speak to him," she said.

Call for compassion towards community cats

In the wake of Penny's death, Yap has also called for residents' compassion towards cats in their neighbourhood.

"I'm aware that incidents like this cannot be avoided. We can't have eyes on the community cats 24 hours a day but it would be good if people keep a look out for the community cats," she said.

She noted that cardboard shelters left for cats at void decks are frequently destroyed or discarded.

"It's just a box... but it is home or considered a bed or shelter for the cat from wind and rain," Yap added.

She also said that while many responsible feeders maintain cleanliness by using disposable plates and clearing them after meals, "ghost feeders" sometimes leave food strewn on the ground, drawing complaints from residents and often resulting in the cats being blamed.

"Everyone just has to play a part. If you don't like cats just leave them alone. The cats are harmless. They do nothing but sleep and wait for their feeders to feed them," Yap said.

Top photos via Dawn Yap/Facebook