Since time immemorial, we’ve heard of cats supposedly having nine lives. According to Petmate, it is not certain where the “nine lives” came from, but many historians recognize that this saying has been around for hundreds of years. Cats were held in high regard in some places and seen as important animals, and it may have been a belief that they had multiple lives—nine at the most?
Anyway, a university in Manila values a number of stray cats by sharing with them the huge space of the institution. PUP Sintang Pusa, a university organization from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), tries its best for these cats to have a safe haven where they can possibly enjoy their life without having to risk those ‘nine lives’.
The organization was born with the vision of providing a safe environment for the cats inside the campus; moreso after a tragedy that happened to ‘Pogi’; a tomcat who was killed by an unknown and cruel perpetrator.
The death of ‘Pogi’ sparked an initiative from students, alumni, faculty, and employees to form a group that would raise awareness about the sad plight of cats like Pogi. The concerned org members dedicated themselves to promoting the welfare of these fur babies and spreading consciousness on the proper handling of campus cats.
“Layunin rin ng aming organisasyon na magbigay kaalaman sa mga bawat mamamayan ng tamang pangangalaga sa mga pusa,” Sintang Pusa officials expressed.
PUPians and Cats as a Community
Around 70 fluffy, bright-colored kitties wander the realm of Sintang Paaralan and through its members and volunteers, Sintang Pusa is raising donations, monitoring the well-being of these cats, feeding them on a daily basis, and responding to some that require immediate attention.
Although most are in good health condition, some are in need of medical attention which requires some veterinary care and support.
“Medyo nahirapan ang aming organization pagdating sa finances since kaunti lang mga nagdo-donate sa aming organization. So, kapag walang nag-donate ay nahihirapan ang aming organization na i-maintain ang pagpapakain sa mga cats,” they explained.
For the Cats, They Serve!
In spite of this, the organization has nothing but gratitude to those who selflessly extend a helping hand in times of need, especially the PUPian community. Moe than just feeding those fur babies, Sintang Pusa hopes to accomplish more such as spaying, providing anti-rabies vaccines, and possibly finding willing adopters capable of attending their needs.
“Although we don’t have a standing record on which organization has repeatedly been a partner ever since the beginning, we know for a fact that every organization inside the PUP campus has given us a helping hand in times of need, and we are ‘furrever’ grateful for that.”
Any amount you can extend to Sintang Pusa will be of great help to their cause. The organization schedules meet-ups and provides account reference for in-kind and monetary donations. They can be contacted through their Facebook page.
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