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Paralysed Cats Find Happiness And Hope At Rumah Katsumi
Baharim Abu Bakar and Nur Hanariawati Mohd Najib have created a safe space for 27 paralysed cats. (Andrea Rhiannon Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle)
SHAH ALAM: If you were told about a group of disabled cats living together, you might imagine a sad place where the felines have lost their will to live. But Rumah Katsumi tells a different story.
Under the care of Baharim Abu Bakar and his wife, Nur Hanariawati Mohd Najib, 27 paralysed cats have found a second chance in life in the couple’s Shah Alam home.
During FMT Lifestyle’s visit, the cats behaved like any other felines: some were quietly curious while a few boldly approached the visitors.
What stood out was how content they looked, having found their “furry-tail” ending. But their pasts weren’t so bright.
“Most of them were abandoned. When they were beautiful and healthy, they were loved. But once they lost that or when their owners had too many pets, they were thrown away. On the streets, they had to fight to survive,” said Nur Hanariawati, better known as Waty.
The couple learnt about these cats either from rescuers or people who had found them. Some were discovered wandering the streets already paralysed and in diapers, leading her to suspect they had been abandoned by their owners.
Others, she added, became disabled after accidents or dog attacks. They have even arranged for some cats to be transported from Kuala Terengganu and Penang via pet taxis.
Baharim enjoying some playtime with the cats. (Andrea Rhiannon Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle)“When you take them in – sick, unable to walk and only able to lie down – the best part is seeing them get up, begin eating and playing with others after you cared for them and gave them the best treatment possible,” said Waty, 44.
The couple, who have three children, took in their first paralysed cat, Suri, in 2022 after learning about her from a rescuer.
“These disabled cats are strong-willed. They arrive unable to walk, yet they only need about a week before getting up to join their friends after seeing the other cats playing and eating,” added Waty.
Among the felines here is Awang, who can move very quickly using only his front legs. Ochi, on the other hand, prefers to snooze all day. Then, there’s Chichi, the youngest at about four months, who charmed this writer with her adorable face.
Chichi is a happy resident at Rumah Katsumi. (Andrea Rhiannon Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle)When asked the secret to making these cats happy, Waty shared: “Love. Feeding them on time, taking them to the vet when they’re sick, caring for their health, and playing with them can build a bond.”
“I spend half my day with them here,” she added, referring to the room where the cats stay.
The couple document their life with the cats on social media, where they have over 370k followers.
“We’re not a shelter, just private individuals rescuing cats in need,” said Waty. Apart from the 27 paralysed cats, they have about 23 others, including four blind ones.
Baharim shared that he is tasked with buying pet food, pet supplies and taking the cats to the vet while Waty manages their daily care – feeding, changing diapers and giving the cats their medications.
Waty shared that she changes the cats’ diapers four to five times a day. To prevent them from removing the diapers, she dresses them in cute outfits, which she also changes daily.
Waty spends a lot of time caring for the cats but says seeing them healthy makes it all worthwhile. (Andrea Rhiannon Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle)Additionally, she monitors their weight and administers flea and worm medication regularly, meticulously recording everything.
Waty said they spend about RM1,200 weekly on the cats, and if veterinary care is needed, the cost is even higher.
While she is a “stay-at-home cat mom”, Baharim runs a business with his family. He also offers pet sitting and cat consultancy services to correct feline behaviour.
According to Baharim, 46, when their weekly expenses exceed RM2,000, they seek public donations.
Caring for these cats is emotionally challenging as well. Waty shared that it is tough when a cat dies. Despite her grief, she added, she continues caring for the others, whom she calls her “children”.
Despite a tough start to life, these cats have found their ‘furry-tail’ ending in Rumah Katsuma. (Andrea Rhiannon Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle)“I love them so much. I’m willing to do anything for my children. I’ve apologised to my human children that I spend more time with these cats because they don’t have anyone else,” she said.
“I feel like everything I’ve sacrificed is worth it because my children are healthy. That’s all I want,” she added.
