The Jurong Cat Whisperer who changed lives, one paw at a time

Taking extra steps to ensure a healthy environment for the residents and feline friends, all from her passion and dedication.

Written by: Nicole Lee, Dion Kuah, Rosales Sophia

The buzz of the city fades as Madam Alice Koh arrives at her regular spot in a quiet Jurong HDB neighbourhood. Given any chance, the 74-year-old retiree makes her rounds, carrying a large bag of kibbles and a few containers of fresh water. Greeted by welcoming meows, each stray feline finds its way to her for a warm meal and familiar company. 

But Madam Koh's dedication doesn't end with feeding; she communicates with other residents about new stray cats in the area that may need attention. Additionally, her persistence made multiple breakthroughs in which the cats would eventually listen to her and allow her to get them the treatment they need, earning a title of being a cat whisperer. As long as her schedule is clear as the skies, she transports them to local vets for sterilisation, playing a small but vital part in Singapore's sustainable urban ecosystem.

Madam Koh holding a stray cat named ‘Mew Mew’ that she had brought for sterilisation two years ago. Mew Mew would often visit her house where she would also find comfort in friendly pets from neighbours. (Photo by: Nicole Lee)

For over 26 years, Madam Koh has been a quiet hero for Jurong’s stray or community cats, dedicating her own resources and time to provide medical aid, food, and sterilisation for over 200 stray cats around the neighbourhood. Her journey began by witnessing the rise of stray cat issues upon moving to a HDB flat. 

“I have loved animals ever since the kampong era,” Madam Koh said. “But after moving to a HDB, I realised that many people abandoned their pets downstairs, many of which are vulnerable to animal abuse while also creating an unhealthy environment for the residents.”

From a single act of kindness to a lifetime commitment, Madam Koh has since devoted decades to ensuring that her feline friends get the best treatment while building a compassionate community.

Fallout of Cat Abandonment

In a city known for its green initiatives and high-density living, the management of stray animals, particularly cats, has become a focal point of Singapore’s urban sustainability efforts. However, under the previous Housing and Development (Animals) Rules 1989, HDB dwellers were not allowed to house pet cats, with offenders being fined up to $4,000 if found to have a pet cat in their flats. The rules were changed in September this year, with HDB dwellers being allowed to keep up to two cats, as well as one dog of an approved breed. 

Before this ban was lifted, many residents were reported to have abandoned their cats which ended up as strays, becoming a contributing factor to the overpopulation, according to the Cat Welfare Society (CWS) and Project Luni. 

In the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ (SPCA) annual report on animal cruelty and welfare, the organisation said that it attended 285 animal abandonment-related cases last year, nearly three times the figure in 2022. Cats made up 45 percent of the abandoned animals seen by the non-governmental organisation. 

“Some people that came from the kampong wanted to bring along their pet cats, but when it started to become a problem in which their pets would run to other flats or urinate in public spaces, many just let them go downstairs,” Madam Koh commented. “Sterilising them was very costly and not really known about.”

In an article from Channel News Asia, SPCA Executive Director Aarthi Sankar said that the lack of sterilisation of cats could create an even greater population issue. 

The Rise of Community Cat Care

With more light shining on the issue throughout the years, many residents have started playing their role in aiding the environment and the stray cats. According to CWS, stray cats can pose environmental challenges if their populations are left unchecked. Stray cats often roam freely in urban areas, impacting local wildlife and creating sanitation issues when colonies grow too large. At the same time, the cats serve an unintentional environmental purpose by controlling the rodent population, making humane management essential to the city’s ecosystem balance.

“Sterilisation benefits the cats, the community, and the environment,” Madam Koh explained. “The cats become calmer, their behaviour changes - they don’t wander as much, so they’re less likely to disturb residents or hunt birds. It’s a win-win.”

Although organisations like CWS and SPCA support volunteers with resources for community cats, including low-cost sterilisation programs and volunteer training, Madam Koh started way earlier before these programs came about. Fortunately, many others are more aware of the Trap-Neuter-Return-Manage (TNRM) program now in which they can trap cats safely, bring them to the vet for sterilisation, and release them back into their familiar environments.

The definition of TNRM according to Good Mews Animal Foundation. (Infographic by: Nicole Lee)

The Social and Environmental Impacts of TNRM

Based on the website of Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), a cluster under the National Parks Board (NParks), TNRM is a “holistic, humane, and science-based approach to the community cat population as well as the approach to managing the community cat population as well as the potential inconveniences or concerns that these cats may cause in the community.” 

“I am glad that there are more programs like that now. It was really expensive to fork out the expenses from one’s wallet,” Madam Koh chuckled while reminiscing the days when she was a tuition teacher.

The TNRM program is an improved version of the Stray Cat Sterilisation Program (SCSP), which mainly focuses on providing subsidies for sterilisation. In contrast, TNRM is more comprehensive, as the stray cats are trapped, sterilised, and microchipped to aid traceability, before being rehomed or released back into the community. 

The Cat Welfare Society conducted more than four thousand cat sterilisations last year. (SOURCE: Cat Welfare Society)

Empowering the Next Generation

Through initiatives like TNRM, Singaporean youth are learning about the connections between animal welfare, sustainability, and urban development. This kind of awareness is essential as Singapore continues its efforts to balance ecological health with urbanization. CWS also notes that the number of youth volunteers has risen steadily in recent years, with many of them finding fulfilment in contributing to a cause that resonates with their values.

“I didn’t think of it this way when I started, but now I see that my actions can set an example,” Madam Koh said. “There are many young people becoming feeders that will approach me for advice.”

The definition of tipped ears according to Good Mews Animal Foundation. (Infographic by: Nicole Lee)

Madam Koh often shared her story and experiences with younger feeders in the area. She would always start by sharing about the first cat she helped - a pregnant stray tabby. She was uneasy to see the stray cat hang around open parking lots especially when she had witnessed multiple animal abuse in the area. Little did she know that taking care of this stray such as bringing it to the veterinarian for a check-up and providing it a safe space for birth would become the meaningful spark of her journey.

Madam Tan Siew Tiang, a resident, added: “She could walk around within three streets and recognize all the stray cats she has helped.”

Madam Koh’s unwavering dedication to Singapore’s feline community has not only transformed countless lives but also inspired a new generation of animal lovers. Her philosophy and story inspired many young feeders in the neighbourhood to become responsible caregivers which they would seek guidance from her. 

Addressing Challenges and Inspiring Change

While Madam Koh finds fulfilment in her work, the journey is not without challenges. Volunteer work like hers is often self-funded, and the cost of food, medical care, and transportation can add up.

Madam Koh keeps track of the stray cats she has befriended by taking their pictures and saving the bill from the vet. She would also note down if any found a forever home. (Photo by: Nicole Lee)

One of which she remembered bitterly was a scam by individuals who took advantage of her kindness, claiming that their cat was stray and needed help. Madam Koh said that they were motivated to avoid financial hurdles such as the high costs of veterinary care. Additionally, her physical scars, a testament to her dedication, were a constant reminder of the risks involved in her mission. 

“We need to gain their trust before we can even trap them. I used to familiarise them with the cage for 3 days before attempting to let them get in. I remembering telling one cat that if you come with me, you will live. It listened! However, some stray cats that were out of control were not so lucky,”  Madam Koh sighed with a heavy heart.

There were multiple times when Madam Koh was given the heartbreaking decision to euthanize suffering animals, thus adding to the emotional toll Madam Koh had to experience. Despite these challenges, Madam Koh had no regrets. She was rooted in inspiring others to take action and make a tangible difference in the lives of countless stray animals.

Building a Sustainable Future Together

As Singapore continues to champion sustainable urban living, grassroots efforts like Madam Koh’s are an essential part of the equation. By taking on the responsibility of caring for stray cats, Madam Koh not only reduces the environmental footprint of unmanaged stray populations but also demonstrates a model of sustainable coexistence for the next generation.

“I see it as a way of giving back to my community,” she said with a gentle smile. “These cats don’t have homes, and they’re just trying to survive like the rest of us. Sterilisation is my way of ensuring that they have better lives and don’t contribute to overpopulation.”

With ongoing support from organizations like AVS, CWS, and SPCA, volunteers like Madam Koh are better equipped to meet the needs of their communities and educate others about the benefits of sustainable animal care. Her story serves as a reminder that sustainable living encompasses not just the built environment but also the living creatures within it.

“She is really passionate about these animals, and will go the extra mile for them,” Madam Tan said. “If you were to ask me, I couldn’t do what she does.”

Improving the environment in our community - and in Singapore as a whole - may seem like a complex challenge. Yet, perhaps it is simple acts of kindness and selflessness that can ignite the sparks of lasting change, this time with one paw at a time.

“Everyone has something they care about—be it animals, the environment, or community,” Madam Koh said. “If we all do a little bit, we’re building a city that values life in all forms. That’s the kind of future I want for Singapore.”