ROMPIN: The relationship between pet lovers and their fur babies is something unique, with many willing to go above and beyond to ensure their pets have a good life.
Those who have not had pets may not understand when a pet owner says they don't mind if they have to go hungry, as long as their pets have enough to eat.
That is also the case for a couple who have yet to be blessed with children, but are blessed with a different kind of 'big family'.
"I don't mind if I have to go hungry as long as all my 30 cats have enough to eat everyday. Every month, we spend more than RM1,600 on our cats," said Roshaliza Roslan who is married to Mohd Yadzil Mat Yasin.
"We live together like one big family with no problems and these lovable and friendly felines are like substitutes for the children we have yet to be blessed with," she told NSTP.
It all started four years ago for the 36-year-old and her 41-year-old husband with just one cat.
Now, they have 30 cats of various ages and sizes, who reside in a special room in their home.
Having been married for 14 years, she said the felines require sand litter, vitamins and regular visits to the clinic to ensure they are always healthy.
They also provide two to three special meals for their fur babies daily.
"Let my husband and I go hungry, as long as our cats have enough to eat. That is how much we love our cats, we can't even be away from them for more than a day.
"They all have names...Oyen, Bella, Putih, Bidan, Oren, Janda, Sibodan Omey... they have never given us any problems eventhough they live indoors with us," Roshaliza who lives in Kampung Pantai Bernas, near here, said.
Elaborating further on her pets, she said each one had different personalities. Some are more active, some love to be stroked and some have the tendency to sulk. There are also those who prefer her to feed them with her hand during mealtimes.
She informed that most of her cats are local breeds with only a few being of mixed import breeds, adding that they all have their own uniqueness.
"Apart from stray cats and cats given to me by neighbours, I have also bought some, but they were not that expensive. There are those I found abandoned and they were sick and had injuries. They have been given treatment and we take care of them until today.
"I consider all of these cats as my children... I give them all my love and care. Our lives would be empty without them," she said.
Roshaliza said she had also entered cat competitions in the state.
Meanwhile, her husband who runs a vehicle workshop in Rompin related the story of their cat Oren having been stolen by a neighbour two years ago.
Various efforts were made to find the cat, Mohd Yadzil said, including asking for help from a 'bomoh' (shaman).
"We are happy being surrounded by our cats, despite not having any children of our own, all of them are like little children, always hungry for a cuddle," Mohd Yadzil said, adding he has never felt burdened having to support 30 felines.
He said most of the adult cats have been neutered or spayed to prevent uncontrolled breeding.