Cats get own beach in Penang (VIDEO)

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 4 ― An American’s love for cats has seen the establishment of a coastal sanctuary for the felines in Teluk Bahang, Penang aptly named “Cat Beach”.

Teviot Fairservis, 61, from Connecticut set up the “no kill” cat sanctuary two years ago, where cats roam freely and are only caged if they’re sick, The Star daily reported today.

“Cat Beach was set up in late 2014, a few years after I moved to Penang from Langkawi with my eight cats,” Fairservis was quoted saying.

The beach sanctuary is now home to 126 cats.

“I need at least RM125 daily to feed them and about RM20,000 annually for vet care and emergencies. Being a non-profit shelter, I depend on donations but there have been times that I have to use my own money,” she added.

She said she has hosted volunteers from all over the world, including from Pakistan and Turkey.

Cat Sanctuary Teluk Bahang from Patric Ganz on Vimeo.

“I’ve always been an animal lover. When I was about 10, my cat gave birth to a kitten on my bed and that was a profound moment for me.

“For me, animals are teachers as they’ve taught me about kindness and happiness,” said Fairservis.

Cat Beach will reportedly organise a fundraising concert on December 13 featuring musicians from the Prince of Wales Island International School and the Penang Lights Contemporary Choir at the Penangpac in Straits Quay, Tanjong Tokong.

Those who wish to donate to Cat Beach can visit its crowd funding page here. At the time of writing, US$3,835 (RM15,809) has been raised out of its US$12,000 goal.