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Initially, they struggled to reach their target of S$19,998.

October 26, 2024, 11:43 a.m.

A sanctuary housing more than 80 vulnerable cats rescued from the streets will be able to continue its good work thanks to donations from the public.

The founder of the Purrs and Meows cat sanctuary, Tiffany Heng, set up a donation page hoping to raise S$19,998 for three months of expenses.

Heng’s page had only raised S$5,720 as of October 25, and the future of the felines in her care seemed bleak.

Until she woke up on October 26 to see an incredible S$46,443 listed on her page.

All thanks to savings

Heng has dedicated her life to caring for cats full time.

Talk to Mothership Previously, Heng shared that she created Purrs and Meows for cats to seek refuge from the harsh conditions of the street.

The sanctuary helps provide palliative care for injured or elderly cats, as well as rehabilitate those recovering from injury, illness or behavioral issues, so they can seek a new forever home.

Among the more than 80 felines housed, some suffer from pathologies requiring extensive care, such as kidney failure, while others are treating pelvic fractures or dislocated limbs.

The shelter had self-funded its rescue work until recently, but is no longer able to support itself with its depleted savings and unavailable credit facilities.

Heng calculated that renting the shelter space cost them S$3,000 a month, not including monthly utility fees and staff allowances which cost about S$600 and S$1,000 respectively.

“In addition to rent, there are utilities, pet transportation, supplies like cat food and litter, and basic health needs such as required basic vaccinations and monthly protection against parasites for cats This works out to almost S$7,000 per month.”

Excess donations will be used to fund rent, supplies, medical expenses and more.

Having raised more than double her dream amount, Heng can breathe a little easier knowing that her cats’ future, at least for now, is secure.

A update on the Purrs and Meows Facebook page on October 25, it was stated that the work “does not stop here” and would need “continued support” from the public.

Heng plans to use excess donations to fund rent, supplies, staff and medical bills from November 2024 to January 2025.

“My sincere thanks to you and everyone who donated,” she said. “I’m very overwhelmed now.”

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