The cats of TTDI have an aunty – and she’s not giving up on them

Every morning at around 6.30am, Rozita Zainuddin begins her routine in Taman Tun Dr Ismail. While the neighbourhood is still waking up, the 56-year-old makes her way to feed the stray cats that wait for her around Jalan Datuk Sulaiman. Rozita, originally from Kota Baru, Kelantan, began her involvement in TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) work in TTDI in 2024 after helping a sick stray cat near her home.

With her six rescued cats and about 10 community cats relying on her daily feedings, Rozita has taken it upon herself to care for these animals and manage the stray population in her neighbourhood. She spends around RM2,000 each month on food, veterinary treatment, and TNR-related expenses, mostly out of her own pocket. Rozita prioritises sending female cats for sterilisation and friendly strays for adoption, while returning feral cats to their territory.

Her commitment has led to memorable rescues, such as Teddy, a badly injured cat she found that cost her around RM8,000 to treat, but eventually recovered and was adopted. Rozita hopes to expand her efforts into a neighbourhood-wide TNR programme next year, working with younger volunteers and local veterinarians, and encourages others to help injured animals instead of ignoring them.