From Strangers to Devoted Cat Lovers: The Unlikely Journey of Ramlah and Salim
A Chance Encounter with a Stray
Ramlah Darus and her husband Salim Dahri, a couple who run a shelter in Ipoh, Malaysia, never thought they’d become cat lovers. In fact, they used to dislike cats intensely. That was until their son Fitri brought home a stray black cat named Tam, which marked the beginning of their journey.
The Power of Tam
Fitri’s persistence in keeping Tam despite his parents’ initial disapproval eventually won them over. As they began to care for the cat, they discovered the joy and companionship that came with it. Ramlah recalls, “I then secretly started rescuing stray cats and bringing them home to care for them. My husband initially disapproved, but he, too, eventually warmed to the idea.”
The Birth of a Passion
As the number of cats grew, Ramlah and Salim’s daily routine changed. They started feeding the cats and cleaning their litter boxes, and Ramlah would even take a scooter to the market to buy essentials and look out for homeless cats. Salim, on the other hand, would head to the shelter to feed and clean up.
A Shelter Takes Shape
As the couple’s passion for cats grew, so did their need for a dedicated space to care for them. They found a plot of land nearby, which was donated to them by a kind-hearted individual. With the help of regular donors, they built a cat shelter, which now houses over 150 feline residents.
Challenges and Triumphs
Caring for the cats comes with its challenges, including the rising cost of living, food, and medical expenses. To make ends meet, Ramlah offers boarding services for cats whose owners are away, and they also established a non-profit organization, Persatuan Prihatin Kucing Jalanan Ipoh, Perak, to channel donations and make their efforts more manageable.
A New Lease on Life
Ramlah credits the cats with bringing positivity to her life, even with her severe asthma. She notes, “I’ve suffered from severe asthma since I was a teen, but in the last few years, I’ve noticed that my asthma attacks have become less frequent, even when I’m exposed to dust and cat fur.”
Conclusion
Ramlah and Salim’s journey from strangers to devoted cat lovers is a testament to the power of compassion and the transformative effect it can have on one’s life. As they continue to care for the cats, they remain determined to make a difference, one paw at a time.
FAQs
* How did Ramlah and Salim get started with cat rescue?
They began by rescuing stray cats and caring for them at home, starting with a stray black cat named Tam.
* What is Persatuan Prihatin Kucing Jalanan Ipoh, Perak?
It is a non-profit organization founded by Ramlah and Salim to channel donations and make their cat rescue efforts more manageable.
* How can I get involved with their cat rescue efforts?
You can contact Ramlah at 011-3976 4493 or visit their website for more information on how to donate or volunteer.
Note: The article is organized with the original headings and subheadings, and the tags have been retained. The conclusion and FAQs sections have been added to the end of the article.