Uncle Ong, 73, still feeding over 30 cats daily in Kallang & Hougang even with neck brace, bad knees & back

Members of the public have been helping Uncle Ong buy cat food over the past three years to shoulder his financial burden.

This was after Uncle Ong's story of feeding more than 30 cats a day on his own, rain or shine, since 2007, was reported for the first time in March 2023.

He used to spend more than S$1,000 of his monthly salary just on feeding cats before the public stepped in to help with his costs.

Even though his physical condition has deteriorated — he now wears a neck brace while medicating for his bad knees and back — he has kept up with his nightly cat-feeding routine in Kallang and Hougang.

The community cats, which are typically skittish around other people, cannot help but bump into one another and Uncle Ong when they see him each evening.

Grateful for public support

In response to the ongoing public support, the elderly man said he is grateful for all the help he can get.

"If it weren't for the sponsors, I would have been like this," he half-jokingly said in a mix of Hokkien and English, while bending and straightening his index finger repeatedly, alluding to being dead.

Physical condition deteriorated

However, Uncle Ong said he has been relying on a neck brace for the past three months, and his two recent medical appointments have cost him S$250 in total.

He does not know what is wrong with him, but assumes it is age-related, and he is otherwise recovering.

Beware of scammers

While he is concerned about his own health, Uncle Ong also said he hopes that those who have been helping him stay safe from scammers.

This was after Uncle Ong said he was approached by a person, who appeared to be in his 30s, and was informed that a fundraiser could be put together for him.

The incident, Uncle Ong recalled, occurred several months ago.

However, nothing apparently came out of it after Uncle Ong had his photos taken by the person.

Uncle Ong said there could be some out there who might try to pull a fast one on the unsuspecting public.

"He could have asked for money from people and he did not come back to find me after that," Uncle Ong said.

Pet shop helping to distribute cat food to Uncle Ong

Uncle Ong added that he hoped to emphasise what he experienced so that the public can avoid being duped.

The only legitimate way to help Uncle Ong is by buying cat food for him via this link run by S&S Pet's Shop at Tampines Street 44.

The products are labelled "Cats of Kallang".

The pet shop owner, Steven Chan, has been helping to distribute the cat food bought by the public to Uncle Ong.

Donors who are keen to help by contributing smaller sums can contact S&S Pet's Shop at [email protected].