Man lets cats sleep in his car in Yishun car park

A man in Yishun has opened up his car at the multi-storey car park for cats to sleep in.

Shin Min Daily News reported that the car had been parked for a long time on the second floor of the car park at Block 347 Yishun Avenue 11, according to a reader.

The reader noted that a person was supposedly feeding cats there regularly, given the presence of a bed for the cats, as well as feeding receptacles under the car.

'Cat house'

Upon visiting the area, Shin Min observed that there was a "cat house", as well as two cats in the parking lot.

Noting that there were several makeshift cat beds and a cardboard cat house in the back of the car, Shin Min also observed plastic bowls with drinking water and cat food on the ground.

Shin Min reported that a calico cat was resting on the car seat and an orange cat was drinking water.

Took in injured cats

Speaking to Shin Min, He (transliterated), the car owner who in his 50s, said he raised the two cats after taking them in more than 10 years ago when they were injured community cats.

He added that he named the calico cat, "Patches", and the orange cat, "Tiger".

Noting that the two cats were originally kept at home, He said Tiger was allowed to roam downstairs as it preferred moving about freely and was not used to staying indoors for long periods of time.

Patches later moved downstairs to live as well, Shin Min reported.

Responding to how the car turned into a cat house, He said he previously bought the car about 10 years ago for around S$100,000.

He said he has not driven the car much in the past year, citing family factors.

Neighbours mostly friendly

Shin Min reported that a cat house and cardboard box were placed behind the car for the two cats to rest in.

He also received another cardboard cat house as a gift from a neighbor, but said it was only used to store cat supplies as the cats did not like sleeping in it.

Neighbours were mostly friendly and occasionally came over to greet the cats, said He, adding that he had not received any complaints so far.

Shin Min reported that a corner at the car park's ground floor also had cat-related items, including cat towers and beds.

Town council response

Responding to Mothership's queries, Nee Soon Town Council said it was aware of the presence of community cat feeding points and shelters that had been set up by residents at Block 347 Yishun Avenue 11.

The town council said that while it understands "the goodwill behind these efforts", it would like to "remind residents that car parks are meant for vehicular use and safety considerations must be taken into account".

It has since removed the items at the car park due to safety and hygiene considerations.

The town council added that it works closely with community partners and residents to manage community cats in a responsible manner.

"Residents who wish to care for community cats are encouraged to do so in a manner that do not pose safety or hygiene concerns," said the town council.

"We appreciate the community's efforts in caring for animals, and encourage responsible practices that balance the needs of both residents and the cats."