Thinking of adopting a pet? There are so many animals for adoption that need a good home, so it’s definitely a considering before you go to the pet shops. We’ve also got some tips from a vet about what you need know before you get your new cat or dog.
Joy
Joy was rescued at just a week old, and is sweet, affectionate and loves to be cuddled.
Piglet
This tortoiseshell female, Piglet, was rescued after her stray mother left her and her sister behind. Her sister sadly passed away, but Piglet lives up to her name at every feed! She loves to snuggle and has a very loud purr.
Caramel
Caramel is an active and playful little girl. She was rescued from a factory at only ten days old and has developed into a fun-loving, curious little lady.
Sniffles
Sniffles is a small and gentle kitten. She was born in a school art room and sadly her mother was scared away, and didn’t return for her newborn babies. Sniffles’ brothers, including Ninja and Cow, are also available for adoption.
Ninja
Ninja is energetic and playful, and lives up to his name. He loves his food, and really enjoys some rough and tumble playtime.
Cow
Cow is a fun, crazy kitten. He is very talkative, loves attention and is an expert at falling asleep on your legs.
About the shelter
Project SOKS (Save our Kittens Singapore) was established by Claire Forbes and Julia Leimanis in April this year, after several years of independent rescue and re-homing efforts. SOKS specialises in caring for abandoned and stray kittens, particularly neonatal kittens younger than four weeks of age. Claire and Julia rescue and raise the kittens in their own homes, lovingly preparing them for their forever families. They also support TNR (trap, neuter, release) operations for stray/community cats, in conjunction with the Cat Welfare Society.
“For people considering adoption, please remember that a pet is for life,” says Claire. “Cats can live up to 20 years of age and are a long-term commitment for families. Kittens are a lot of fun to have in the home and cope well in apartments provided they are given company, love and stimulation.” Project SOKS has adoption conditions that include compulsory sterilisation and, when the time comes, relocation with the adoptive family.
SOKS operates entirely from funds out of its own pockets, or that of donations from supporters. People can lend their support with donations of KMR (kitten formula), Fidelis raw meat (the diet that all its kittens are introduced to) or other much-needed supplies. To find out how else you can help, email projectsoks@ outlook, find the Project SOKS page on Facebook, or contact 8157 4150 (WhatsApp).
Advice before you adopt
Once you’ve chosen your new furry friend, it’s worth getting it checked by a vet for a few things first, the Vets for Life team helped us put together a list:
- Any sign of tick fever might mean your dog will not be allowed into another country when the time comes to relocate.
- It also needs to be checked for heartworm, so find out what vaccinations, if any, are required, and what else needs to be done.
- Is it sterilised? Unless you want the pitter-patter of small paws, (or the wrath of the next door neighbour who’s pet has been impregnated) it’s advisable to get this done.
- Luckily, there’s no rabies here, so immigration to most countries is fairly simple, though note that some countries do still request a vaccination.
- Whether your dog is a “Singapore Special” or a pedigree, you’ll need to watch for skin irritation – they’re prevalent here because the increased humidity causes accelerated bacterial growth. Dust mites and grass are the main irritants, though some people believe irritations are linked to the type of food the dog is fed.
- Vets for Life Animal Clinic has two outlets, one in the east and one on River Valley Road. Their internationally trained staff can help you get off to the right start.
Tanjong Katong Road | 6348 8346
Valley Point Shopping Centre | 6732 0273
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