This Malaysian Has Been Rescuing Sick & Terminally Ill Cats For 13 Years. Here's Her Story
She also cares for 11 abandoned dogs.
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Meet Nurul Ain Abdul Hamid, an animal rescuer who has dedicated the past 13 years to caring for sick and critically ill cats at her shelter, Seroja Inn Home Shelter
Established in 2012, Seroja Inn is currently a sanctuary for over 300 street cats.
Unlike many shelters, Seroja Inn's core mission is to rescue and rehabilitate animals in their most vulnerable states, focusing exclusively on those who are sick and critically ill, rather than healthy strays or owned pets.
Speaking to SAYS during a recent visit at the shelter in Taman Sri Muda, Shah Alam, Nurul Ain explained that operating the three-storey shelter costs a minimum of RM25,000 per month.
These expenses cover a wide range of veterinary treatments and salaries for four staff members who assist in maintaining the shelter.
Upon entering the shelter, visitors will find the first level dedicated as a ward for newly admitted cats. This area is crucial for animals undergoing treatment or awaiting sterilisation.
There is also a dedicated quarantine room for cats diagnosed with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), a lifelong condition that compromises the immune system and currently has no cure. These cats are given lifelong care at Seroja Inn.
"We take care of them until they pass away. What can we do is provide supplements to strengthen their immune system. We give them the best possible treatment and ensure they are cared for until the very end," said the 32-year-old.
Nurul Ain showing a dedicated quarantine room for cats diagnosed with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).
Image via SAYSSeroja Inn also shelters cats with severe neurological and physical conditions, such as Wobbler Syndrome, a disorder that affects a cat's coordination and mobility
During our visit, Nurul Ain introduced us to a kitten suffering from this syndrome.
Despite its struggle to walk, the kitten slowly made its way to Nurul Ain when she called, a moving display of the trust and affection these animals have for her.
She also provides lifelong care for cats that have lost their vision due to past accidents.
"For cats like these, they really can't survive on the streets. That's why Seroja Inn was established, to give sick cats a chance to continue living," she said.
Nurul Ain interacting with a cat with the Wobbler Syndrome.
Image via SAYSThe second level is a vibrant space where healthy, vaccinated, and spayed or neutered cats reside
These felines are all ready for adoption, and the process is entirely free of charge.
"I don't charge anything. It's completely free. But there are rules: they must be kept indoors and never caged.
"Here at the shelter, we can't focus on each cat individually. But when they're adopted, they receive full affection.
"It's not that they're unhappy here or don't get enough food. They definitely do, no matter how difficult it is for us. We always make sure their needs are met," she said.
Nurul Ain said adoption gives the cats the full attention and love they deserve in a caring home.
Seroja Inn also houses cats with infectious diseases, such as sporotrichosis, a fungal infection that can spread to humans through bites, scratches, or contact with lesions.
While many facilities might opt for euthanasia due to the risk of transmission, Nurul Ain chooses to treat them.
"They can recover — and so far, I've successfully saved and treated many cats with sporotrichosis who have gone on to fully recover," she said.
Nurul Ain introducing the room housing cats undergoing treatment for sporotrichosis.
Image via SAYSTo keep the shelter running, Nurul Ain works part-time as a clerk and runs a small online business
Despite her efforts, donations remain inconsistent, and there are times when she must rely on her personal savings to keep the shelter afloat.
Her compassion is not limited to cats. She also cares for 11 abandoned dogs at her own home, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to animal welfare.
Nurul Ain passionately advocates for responsible pet ownership, urging all cat owners to spay or neuter their pets. She believes that this is a vital step in controlling the ever-growing cat population in Malaysia.
If you wish to donate, volunteer, or adopt a rescued feline, you can reach out to Nurul Ain via WhatsApp +6013-5131833, or through her social media channels, including her Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok pages.
Watch our interview with Nurul Ain here:
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