When she was first rescued, Dinding was a very timid kitten. Photos: Sheela Kanagasabai
This is the story of how my friend discovered a kitten trapped within the walls of a shopping mall. The kitten, likely separated from its mother while exploring the mall’s internal passages, had wandered into a small, hidden hole where it became stuck, out of sight and beyond reach. Its pitiful cries for help echoed through the walls, tugging at my friend’s heartstrings.
While at the checkout counter, my friend heard frantic meowing and scratching coming from behind the wall. When she asked the cashier about it, she was shocked to learn that the kitten had been trapped there for three days. She couldn’t understand why no one had contacted the SPCA or the mall’s security team to help the poor animal.
Determined to act quickly, she called her husband, who rushed over and began listening to the walls to determine the direction of the kitten’s cries. The kitten, despite being stuck without food or an escape route, had not given up. Unlike dogs, cats often face unique challenges when left to fend for themselves, and this one was fighting to survive.
Thinking fast, her husband called the Fire and Police departments. Soon, rescue teams arrived at the premises. After determining the kitten’s location, they decided to cut a new hole in the wall to free it. They had the experience and tools necessary to safely extract the cat. Although repairing the wall would be necessary, saving the kitten’s life was the priority. By this point, my friend was in tears, feeling helpless as the mother cat’s distant purring could be heard, as if she was remorseful over her kitten’s predicament. It was a tense moment; everyone held their breath, hoping for the best.
Finally, the dusty kitten was coaxed out of the wall by the rescue team, who carefully prevented it from injuring itself. Breaking the wall was challenging because the kitten was right behind it, but with gentle hands, they managed to pull her out and placed her in my friend’s arms.
Astonishingly, the kitten recognised my friend’s voice and calmly snuggled into her arms. It became my friend’s responsibility to nurse this little warrior back to health. Fortunately, the vet reported no serious injuries or scars, though dehydration and hunger were concerns. Watching the kitten finally relax and fall asleep after a hearty meal was a most heartwarming sight.
Everyone debated the perfect name for the kitten, finally settling on “Dinding”, meaning “wall” in Bahasa Malaysia, because of how she was found and rescued. Once black and white with clouded grey eyes, Dinding now has a phantom look, with one side of her face yellow and the other black.
Dinding, a calico cat, has grown quite a bit since her rescue four months ago.
Over the years, my friend has turned her home into a shelter for cats, relating to these abandoned felines in their times of need. It has been four months since her rescue, and Dinding enjoys the company of 13 other adopted cats and is unconditionally loved by her new family.
Every year, countless cats find themselves in desperate situations, many homeless and hungry. These resilient felines often face incredible odds, but thanks to rescuers, they get a chance at a better life. When a cat is rescued, it undergoes changes that go beyond the physical. The journey from a life of uncertainty to a life of security is a remarkable one. As the cat settles into its new environment, it begins to explore its surroundings with curiosity and excitement. It discovers the joy of play and pouncing on imaginary prey. The once-shy and timid creature gradually grows more confident, knowing that it is safe and loved.
Rescue cats also have a unique way of touching the lives of their human caregivers. The bond that forms between human and feline can be incredibly powerful, bringing joy, comfort, and healing. Rescue cats often become emotional support for their caregivers, sensing when they are needed most. Whether curling up beside someone on a difficult day or offering a gentle purr to soothe a troubled mind, these cats have an innate ability to provide solace and reassurance. Dinding will forever be part of their family’s cherished memories.
