STRAY tabby, a familiar sight on the streets of Tiong Bahru in
the last two years, has become a rallying point for the community
there.
Bob, as the grey feline is known in Eng Hoon Street, has seen
three vets and undergone four operations, running up $20,000 in
veterinary bills. Residents and shop owners in the area are passing
the hat around to pay these bills. Already, Dr Jean-Paul Ly, who
performed the last two operations, has waived $8,000 of his
surgical fees on hearing the cat is a stray.
With the rest of the medical bill still outstanding, Books
Actually, the neighbourhood bookstore in Yong Siak Street, has set
up a donation box. The kitty - no pun intended - now has
$1,800.
Bob came to the area two years ago and started charming
everyone. It began following design-school lecturer Terence Yeung,
40, and his wife home, and spending some nights with them.
Residents say the cat recognises people, and runs up excitedly
to those it knows.
Human resources director Jean Fung, who is in her 40s, said:
'He's comfortable around people and friendly - not at all like your
typical aloof stray cat. It's hard to explain, but he's very
charismatic.'
