Cats on campus – a furry friend or foe?

By: Lee Chia Chee

The food operators of the open air cafeteria are accused of feeding the stray cats there. 

Students claim that the feeding behavior leads to the breeding of more offspring.

 "We have to feed them; otherwise, the cats will crawl onto the tray area, contaminating the food and disrupting our flow of work," Siti Maisyaroh, 36, explains.

She adds, "I do not like cats, but I have to feed them to continue working – imagine, do you want cats meowing and tailing along when you scoop the food for students?"

Contract janitors from Jawa Timur, Indonesia

The janitors are frustrated by the frequent complaints of students regarding the hygiene of the open air cafeteria.

"Students should refer to those at higher level regarding the issue instead of complaining to us; we have no idea where the cats come from, where they stay, and why they are here," say Fitria, 24; Misriana, 35; Rina, 35, and Maida, 29.

"What can we do? We chase away one cat; the cat brings back its family," says Rose, the person in charge of the cleanliness of open air cafeteria.

"Once we manage to chase the cats, the students from hostel bring back their pets – it is a never-ending cycle,"she added.

When asked why she did not refer to her superior about the issue, Rose says that she, like the rest, is contract workers. 

She fears that by doing that her job will be in jeopardy.

According to the janitors, the Management of SEGi does not think that the existence of stray cats in the cafeteria is an issue.

Chin, 20, concerns about the hygiene of stray cats in SEGi open air cafeteria 

Chin Jia Ying, 20, who is currently studying for Bachelor of Dentistry says: "In fact, I do not really mind if there are stray cats around the open air cafeteria. 

"Sometimes, I feed them with my leftovers, and I am grateful they eat."

"But I do not touch them; even if I did, I will wash my hands immediately," she says. 

Chin thinks that since nobody is takes care of stray cats, they are dirty, probably unvaccinated and hence might make her sick.

Dr. Lee, 25,  explains about toxoplasmosis

According to Dr. Lee Kah Wei, 25, Medical Officer of Malacca General Hospital, contact with cats’ feces can transmit toxoplasmosis.

"Toxoplasmosis has flu-like symptoms such as sore throat, tiredness, fevers over 38°C, and aching muscles. 

"About 80 to 85 per cent of victims are not aware of being infected."

"Naturally, our immune system is strong enough to prevent us from toxoplasmosis, but we have to get rid of toxoplasmosis to avoid it causing serious illness. 

She adds:"Future infection will cause a relapse of toxoplasmosis and cause severe damage to our eyes, brain, and our organs."

However, most interviewees who frequently have their meals in the open air cafeteria do not know nor mind the existence of stray cats and the disease they carry.

In fact, some students enjoy the cats’ company.

Abdulla Suha Mirayami, 19, a student of Bachelor of Accounting and Business Management says: "I love them even though they are stray cats."

Abdulla's favorite cat, Rumi, waiting for her arrival

"I come from Philippines and I feel lonely studying here at SEGi. The cats stave off my loneliness; when I play with them, I feel connected, a sense of warmth and intimacy."

Three consecutive "Meow" means "I love you" to Abdulla

She continues: "Cats are good “snugglers”, they always rest on my lap while I am doing revision in the cafeteria. 

Rumi is grooming herself after high tea with canned-Tuna

"Also, cats help to reduce my stress especially during exam season - I play with them to relieve the pressure." Abdulla adds.

According to University Putra Malaysia (UPM) counselor Chin, despite the health risk associated with stray cats, in Abdulla’s case, the cat is treated as a “self-object” which supports her sense of self.

"Abdulla becomes happier, gains more strength and more confident with the company of the cat," Chin says.

"Spending time playing with the cat eventually becomes part of Abdullah’s personality.

"This cat sustains Abdulla’s self by providing her the experience of being loved and being accepted in an unfamiliar environment, reduces her anxiety and stress, as well as her needs of recognition of belongingness," Chin explains.

"Hence, the cat is very crucial to her sense of self and well-being while studying in SEGi," she concludes.

However, Edwin Liew Kai Sheng, 21, a Dentistry student, with friends Josephine Lee Khi Lin, 20; Cherlyn Chan Gaek Theng, 21; as well as American Degree Program Student: Hia Yi Zhen, 24; Chua Zi Leng, 18; and Tan Ting Li, 22, collectively agree that stray cats in the open air cafeteria might cause sickness to students, particularly those who are allergic to cats.

 "A university should be an ideal place for students to study comfortably, free of external distractions like politics, pandemic and potential harm," Edwin reasons.

"The stray cats in cafeteria are noisy, annoying and unclean – should not SEGi restrict animals from entering the campus for the sake of students’ well-being?"

Restrict animals from entering the campus