SEC - S10W5 : From the street to a home

The cat population in our area is more dominant than other pets. Regional, religious, social and cultural characteristics make cats the animal most loved by the people in my area, Aceh. Many local residents keep cats to seek blessings, happiness, reduce stress, and as ideal companions because of their intelligent, independent and adaptable nature.

Before entering the essence of the contest, I would like to invite my friends @chefdanie @chopper46 and @afrizalbinalka to participate in the contest : SEC S10W5: De la calle a un hogar / From the street to a home. Hopefully your participation in this contest not only adds to the diversity of information about animals in your area, but also becomes the key to success in the Steemit Engagement Challenge Season 10 Week 5.

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Are there dogs/cats living on the streets in your town? show us.

Due to their larger population, cats roam the streets more often than dogs. Cats can be found almost on every street corner or in every village. Population density also affects the immigration of cats to the village due to the availability of sufficient food. The people of Aceh, who are predominantly Muslim, believe that feeding cats is a noble and blessed deed. Not infrequently stray cats often come to my house during lunch and dinner hours. Then they will leave when they get food. This week, between 4 and 6 feral cats regularly visit my house.

This picture is an example of the concern of the people of Aceh for wild cats. A restaurant visitor buys packaged rice to feed the mother cat and her kittens. In addition, the people of Aceh have a habit of not throwing away leftover food (fish and rice). However, the food will be placed in a special place outside the house so that cats that happen to pass by or come to the house can eat the food. This custom has been passed down from generation to generation and is believed to bring good fortune.

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What do you think of the adoption of these little animals? You've done it? Tell us your adoption story and show us the before and after of the animal you adopted if it's the case.

I once adopted one of the cats that frequented the office shed. These cats lost their mother after being hit by a car. Our office warehouse is located beside the main road that is used by motorized vehicles. One morning, my co-workers found this mother cat dead on the side of the road. Then we buried the mother cat. Because the kittens were still small, we finally decided to bring the kittens home each one to the house. I adopted a female cat.

But unfortunately about a week ago the cat died after being in my house for 5 months. I've tried to cure it by buying medicine, but it doesn't work. We as a family must lose him. We are very sorry, because in our area there is no veterinary clinic so we can't examine and treat it to the vet. I can only give the cat the medicine I bought at the pet shop. And it didn't work. Our family is grieving his loss. As time went on we began to be sincere and grateful, at least we had given the best love as long as the cat was still alive and part of our family.

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What do you think is the solution to avoiding animal abandonment?

At present, it must be admitted that neglect and violence against animals are still rife in various countries. Even the level of exploitation of animals for economic gain is very concerning. Prevention solutions for cases like this will be effective if people have awareness for prevention. The public should not be apathetic if they see abandoned animals or violence against animals (even if violence is perpetrated by owners or adopters) by reporting it to the authorities for a deterrent effect.

The government's role is also very important to provide animal shelters and favorable rules for the survival of animal populations.

Lovely moment (kittens sleeping together)

The government also needs to be criticized if it is not proactive in protecting animals, especially pets. For example, in my area, until now the local government has not provided a special place for protecting animals such as cats and dogs. There is not even a special program from the relevant government agencies to check the health of stray dogs or cats (especially cats) that roam the streets. This is unfortunate, because unhealthy animals can cause viral diseases in the environment and humans.

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What should people know before adopting a street cat/dog?

Before adopting a pet like a cat, first make sure that our family members don't have allergies to cats. Then check the health of the cat before bringing it home to avoid spreading disease from the cat. Adopters must also prepare all the needs of pet cats such as the best food, a special place for cats, medicines and others.

Another thing that is no less important is to increase knowledge about cats, including understanding the behavior and character of cats so that the emotional relationship between the owner and the cat is well established. Remember, cats also need attention and love to play. So take some time for your beloved cat.

Note : Photo using my smartphone camera 'Realme 10'

Indonesia, July 09th, 2023