I just moved to a low-budget apartment in South Jakarta. The building is simple, but it comes with a massive perk: a lot of stray cats!
There’s an amazing community here that raises funds for TNR, vet visits, and daily feeding. All of these healthy strays are up for adoption. If I had a permanent home, I’d adopt one in a heartbeat, but for now, I’m just enjoying their company.
They are friendly, cute, and surprisingly smart, they even queue politely for food! My favorite time of day is 5 PM. As soon as the 'cat lady' appears with her plastic container, the chaos fades away. It starts with a single meow, and suddenly, they appear from the parking lot, the stairwells, and the bushes. They line up. The ginger tabbies usually take the front row, while the shy calicos wait their turn. Watching a dozen street cats respect a queue is a lesson in manners 😄.
Sadly, a community member told me many of these cats were dumped here by irresponsible owners. It breaks my heart. On the bright side, the community released a 2026 calendar featuring these cuties. I bought one immediately, easily my best purchase of the year.
There are a few regulars I’ve grown attached to. There’s 'Batot,' a teen cat who acts like the landlord of the building, sleeping on elevators like he owns them. Then there’s ‘Cantik,' a calico with huge paws who follows residents to the elevator but never steps inside. Seeing their distinct personalities makes it even harder to accept that they don't have permanent homes.
It’s a bitter irony. This is a modest, low-budget apartment complex. Most people here don't have much, yet they pool their money for vet bills and premium food. Meanwhile, I learned that people from wealthier neighborhoods often drive here specifically to abandon their unwanted pets, assuming 'someone else will deal with it.' It’s heartbreaking to see a confused, well-groomed house cat suddenly left on the asphalt, waiting for a car that isn't coming back.
I’ve thought about joining the volunteer team, but between limited time and my soft heart (I don't think I could handle the cruelty some people show them), I’m hesitating.
I often watch the volunteers and feel guilty. I want to help, but I know my limits. I’m an empath, perhaps to a fault. I’m terrified that if I officially join, I won't be able to handle the heartbreak of a sick kitten or a rescue gone wrong. For now, buying the 2026 calendar is my way of contributing from a safe distance, supporting the brave souls who have the strength I currently lack.
Here’s hoping they all find the forever homes they deserve! ❤️