Support Penang's New Cat Center!
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Help Us Save Penang’s Stray Cats — Build Their First Safe Haven!
Malaysia is home to an estimated 5 million stray cats according to BMC Public Health. Tens of thousands roam the streets of Penang, Malaysia — with overrun government shelters, limited veterinary facilities, and local rescues stretched beyond their limits. We’re building a new solution: Cats Of Penang, a dedicated intake, recovery, and adoption center to help Penang’s cats find safety, health, and a second chance at life.
Today, we need your help to make it real.
Who Are We?
Hello, my name is Daniel Leung, founder of Cats Of Penang.
This organization was born out of urgency and compassion. Across Penang, countless stray and feral cats live in harsh conditions — battling illness, injury, hunger, and abandonment. Every alley, every market, every quiet street tells the same story: cats struggling to survive, with few places to turn.
We created Cats Of Penang to change that story — to build a support system that doesn’t just respond to emergencies but works toward long-term solutions. Inspired by the incredible work of local rescues, we knew more had to be done — and that we had a role to play.
Our mission is simple but powerful:
To protect, heal, and advocate for Penang’s cats through community-based rescue, recovery, and education.
Together, we can build a future where no cat is left behind.
Why We Exist
Penang is home to a growing crisis of stray and feral cats.
While many kind-hearted individuals and independent rescues are doing their best, the system as a whole is overwhelmed — shelters are full, resources are scarce, and many cats fall through the cracks.
What We Do
Cats Of Penang was created to be more than just another rescue — we are a community-based solution focused on both emergency response and long-term change. Our work includes:
Cat intake and recovery
- Medical treatment and vaccinations
- Spay and neuter preparation (TNR)
- Adoption and foster placement
- Public education and advocacy
- Resource-sharing with existing rescues
Why We Formed a Separate Organization
We deeply respect and support the work of existing animal welfare groups in Penang — especially longstanding sanctuaries like Cat Beach, which have saved thousands of lives. But as the need has grown and capacities have become overwhelmed, it became clear that Penang urgently requires additional infrastructure and coordination to meet the scale of the crisis.
Cats Of Penang was formed to fill that gap — not to compete, but to complement. We focus on intake, triage, recovery, and public engagement — areas that are often underserved due to resource limitations. By creating a dedicated space in George Town and committing to transparent, ethical operations, we aim to be a trusted partner in the broader rescue ecosystem.
At the same time, we acknowledge that the landscape of animal welfare in Penang is complex, with many organizations doing the best they can under difficult circumstances. Challenges with limited resources, regulatory hurdles, and differing approaches can sometimes make coordination difficult. At Cats Of Penang, we believe in leading by example — by operating with full transparency, aligning with local laws and ethical best practices, and fostering a spirit of collaboration wherever possible. We are committed to being a trustworthy and professional presence in the rescue community — one that honors the trust of our supporters and puts the well-being of the cats first, always.
George Town — Malaysia’s second-largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — has long been a hub of culture, art, and community. We believe it can also become a leader in feline tourism and compassionate urban animal welfare. By promoting responsible care, community education, and tourism that celebrates Penang’s street cats, we hope to set an example not just for Malaysia, but for cat-friendly cities around the world.
What We’re Building
We are opening our first cat intake, recovery, and donation center in George Town, Penang.
This facility will:
- House up to 30 cats at any given time, with a reasonable turnaround time
- Provide vaccinations and medical care
- Prepare cats for neutering/spaying surgeries
- Offer cats for adoption
- Safely return healthy cats to colonies if adoption isn't possible
- Serve as a donation center to fundraise and educate the public
How Funds Will Be Used
We are asking for your support to cover the critical costs of launching and sustaining this first center.
Important Note:
No member of Cats Of Penang will receive a salary from these funds.
All donations will go directly toward the setup and operation of the facility.
Our work is powered by a dedicated team of over 20 volunteers who will rotate shifts to care for the cats, alongside our unpaid Executive Committee, who will oversee daily operations, finances, and community coordination.
Budget Breakdown:
Startup Setup Costs: ~RM 50,000 (~USD 10,600)
(renovations, cat enclosures, medical equipment, food storage)
First Three Months' Operations: ~RM 20,000 (~USD 4,300)
(rent, utilities, food, veterinary supplies)
Total Target Goal: ~USD 20,000 (~RM 95,000)
FAQ: Cats Of Penang's First Rescue Center
Where will the center be located?
Our center aims to be located in George Town, Penang, Malaysia, with approximately 800 square feet of space for intake and recovery. We have contingent locations in mind relative to the surrounding area i.e. Ayer Itam, Gelugor, Jelutong.
What happens to the cats after recovery?
After medical care and sterilization, cats will be made available for adoption.
If not adopted within their intake period, they will be safely returned to colonies or transferred to a partner sanctuary.
Is Cats Of Penang a registered nonprofit?
We are currently operating as a community initiative and are working toward formal nonprofit registration under Malaysian law. We have officially applied for our ROS licensure and are awaiting notice for full NGO status. Post NGO we will immediately submit for NPO status. We are an entirely volunteer based initiative. We will always disclose if staff will be receiving a salary. Transparency, ethical care, and accountability are our founding values.
Can I volunteer or get involved beyond donating?
Yes! We welcome volunteers for cat care, fundraising, and outreach.
Please reach out to us on any of our social media platforms (listed below) to learn more about volunteering opportunities!
Together, We Can Create a Future of Hope for Penang’s Cats
This isn’t just about opening a building. It’s about opening a door — to compassion, to community, and to change.
With your support, Cats Of Penang will become a safe haven where injured and forgotten cats are given not just shelter, but dignity. A place where love replaces fear, where healing replaces suffering, and where every cat is seen, treated, and given a second chance.
Donate. Share. Volunteer.
Be a voice for the voiceless. Help us make Penang a shining example of what’s possible when a community comes together to care.
Social:
A fun side project to support our fundraising is poetry. My most popular poem is currently being featured on Eksentrika: A Tale Of Two Cat Cities by Daniel Leung
Organizer
Daniel Leung
Organizer
Bethesda, MD