Life Discourse 10.03.2020: Saving Ming-Ming

(Ming-Ming on the day I found her again)

Ming-ming was an abandoned cat who lived in my neighborhood. The poor cat was thin and her fur not growing well for a cat who was once owned. She has a green collar with violet bell attached to her neck. She was abandoned near my house approximately 2 years ago by her former human.

I give cat food to some stray cats and she came running in. She always associates me with food every time I go out for work or exercise. The cat is well mannered despite her ordeal from his previous "human" (aka owner). The first one who allowed her to stay in the area praised her for being such. She was pregnant during that period and unfortunately her kitten died (because she was malnourished).

One particular day, she went down at my house to be fed when our neighbor took pity and took her in. I was happy with her being adopted. She got pregnant and gave birth to her only kitten, Marikit. Unknown to me, her grandson's wife was pregnant and already pressuring lola to, again, abandon Ming and her kitten. There is fallacy that cat and pregnant women do not jibe, which I consider hogwash.

Last Sunday, I saw my neighbor with his bike and a sack when I left to buy medicines I had a strange feeling that something bad is happening; because one of the tambays asked what's inside the sack and he replied "meow meow" (aka cat to be thrown away). Afterward, I went back home and remembered that I have to tell the name of the clinic that offers low cost neutering/spaying for pets. I got surprised when I saw her crying; she was forced to abandon her because of that pressure. She asked our neighbor to place the cats within San Felipe Cemetery (another area where cats are abandoned). I was upset as hell but cannot help her or do anything because it was considered interfering in their personal affairs. Deep inside, I feel so guilty - it was my fault that Ming Ming went to my place, lived with them, and got abandoned for the 2nd time.

Throughout the week, I thought of the poor cats and hoping that they are doing well despite the bad weather (it was raining in the afternoon or evening) and not getting fed properly. Yesterday, I took my chance and tried looking for them, since I do my daily 5 km walk. I told lola that if I find the cat inside the cemetery - I'll just tell her but will leave them there. In Tagalog, kahit ibalik ko yan, baka gawin nyo ulit ito. (Even if I safely returned the cats, you might do the same thing - abandon them again).

I was supposed to go to San Felipe Cemetery after I did some 3km I. Lopez - P. Lopez on my usual trail. I intend to enter the premises and look for the cat. On my second round, I saw a familiar cat; it was Ming-ming! She saw me and immediately approached me. I did not bring any cat food but saw another walker with cat food (saw him earlier feeding some to a needy kitten) and ask him to give it to her. She was thinner the last time I saw her; took some pictures as proof and went back to tell her. Marikit was not besides her; thought that someone did get the kitten to be taken care of. (Fact: it is much easier to get kittens instead of adult cats - unfortunately, yes).

I asked the 2nd time if it was okay to bring her back, which happily said yes. I went inside my house and immediately brought my cat carrier and cat food; I had to move fast or else risk losing her again. When I came back, I saw Marikit was still with her but she was a bit skittish or semi-feral because of the experience. Immediately, I had to get both cats inside the crate and brought them home. As of tonight, both have settled down well despite the ordeal and may go to the vet to have them spayed

For the record, cats, pregnant women and to a certain extent - children can get along well under supervision but should not clean the litterbox or poop. Cats should be introduced to eventually having babies inside the house and do not change the routine in as far as cats are concerned. I find it frustrating that a old lady was forced by the family to make a harrowing choice. I was so disappointed that I feel I am at fault here as well. Although Ming ming was not my cat (my current cat is named Princess); I was feeding her and somehow became responsible for her wellbeing. Unfortunately, we have a one-cat in the house policy so I cannot fully integrate her but instead give her to lola's care.

Introducing my cat - Princess. Yes, she rules the roost.

To be honest, abandoning pets is now criminalized to wit: Abandoning cats and other animals is an offense under the Animal Welfare Act of 1998 or RA 10163. To be specific: “SEC. 7. It shall be unlawful for any person who has custody of an animal to abandon the animal. ... ‘Abandonment means the relinquishment of all right, title, claim, or possession of the animal with the intention of not reclaiming it or resuming its ownership or possession."

I am hoping that Ming-ming and Marikit will be happy and live well; I have done my part in at least bringing them back home where they really belong.

Rejoinder: I wrote this piece last Saturday. I am now happy to say that Ming-ming and Marikit has settled peacefully and recovering from their ordeal. Not every single cat has a happy ending though; I saw a dead kitten this morning – this one would have been either the cats I rescued. A grim reminder that we should do our part in reducing unwanted kittens/cats by neutering or spaying and donate what we can afford in supporting TNR (Trap, Neuter and Release) efforts of Animal Support Groups such as CEU Cats, DLSU Pusa, Cats of BGC, Cats of Makati and other small groups.

Reference:

To know more about this little know law, please read: RA 10163 - Animal Welfare Act of 1998: https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2013/10oct/20131003-RA-10631-BSA.pdf .

Also a good reference on cats, pregnancy and your babies: https://www.thesprucepets.com/pregnancy-and-cats-4158607