One of the most interesting things about eating out in Malaysia, apart from the tasty food, is the cats who visit from time to time. The owners don't mind and they lend a character to the experience. So I decided to take photos of them when I can. If anyone is interested I'll add any new sightings to this topic Here are some already spotted... ( photo / image / picture from Frank's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from Frank's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from Frank's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from Frank's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from Frank's Garden )
Interesting cats, Frank. Have you noticed that many of the cats there have had their tails partially removed?
Yes Sjoerd. Please, please explain that to me. I have no idea why that is. (I'm guessing it's going to be a sad reason though :-? )
So many of the cats in your photographs have the most beautiful eyes. Maybe it's because lots of them have 'oriental' shaped faces (like our Siamese.) I wouldn't be able to get too close to any of them though as I'm highly allergic to cats but they are rather handsome creatures.
What pretty cats. I love their triangular faces and sleek shape. They're a far cry from our sofa pigs here. I'd love to bring a couple home with me, so maybe I shouldn't go there.
Frank--when I was there the people that told me said that they broke-off and removed the tails so that the cats could not "enchant" people with the twitching ends in a hypnotic way. I noticed that quite a few of the Malaysians that I met were superstitious. I can understand that folks are superstitious, but to maim cats, well, I found it a pity. I was staying at a place called "Awi's Yellow House" in the river (on Pulau Duyung) at Kuala Terengganu and the cats there kept falling into the water (lack of balance with short or no tails). A big monitor lizzard got one of them once before anyone could rescue it when the cat fell onto the mud below at low tide. "Bristol" and I have rescued cats there a number of times when they feel into the water. If you have the time whilst in Malaysia...please spend a week or two there. You won't be sorry if it is anything like it was when I was there a couple of years ago. I was able to bargain very good rates for myself with the manager there and stayed seven weeks. I had to force myself to leave (with great difficulty, I might add). There was an English chap from Bristol (I called him "Bristol") there who just stayed permanently and handled the tourists and travellers in return for two meals a day and free room and board (something that I did myself whilst travelling). http://www.journeymalaysia.com/islandduyungawi.htm A link to give you an idea. The Lonely Planet travel book will give info as well. I shouldn't get started, I could talk about this place and my experiences there forever. Can you tell that I sorta liked my stay?
wonderful link sjoerd! fascinating place...tho...that's a sad 'tale' for the cats, huh?! when i read that, i was concerned for their pain. never thought it would affect their balance!
Pretty kitties - thank you very much. I'm glad to hear that the restaurants are kind to the strays. Less glad to hear about that weird superstitious tail pruning.
Sjoerd, yes I have heard of Kuala Terengganu. It's supposed to be beautiful. The Perhentian Islands also, right? Sounds like you had a wonderful, memorable time there. I was very interested to read your theory on the short tails. I would sadly say this is not beyond the bounds of possibility Maybe KK knows more about this? BTW there are kittens also. Here is one trying to steal my bag... Kitten stealing my bag ( photo / image / picture from Frank's Garden )
