Cat cafe under AVA investigation confirms seven cat deaths
-
SINGAPORE – Cat cafe Cuddles, the cat cafe currently under investigation over several cat deaths and complaints about its training, confirmed today (Dec 16) that seven cats had passed away under their care since December last year.
In a lengthy Facebook post to address public concerns over these deaths, the cafe said none of its cats have passed away since its opening three months ago. Of the seven cat deaths before its opening, three were from sterilisation and veterinary complications while four were due to feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), said the cafe.
TODAY earlier reported that the cafe, which opened at *SCAPE in mid-September, is being investigated by the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) over several cat deaths and complaints about its training for staff, among other things. The allegations were made by some ex-employees of the cafe. Cafe owner Jonathan Tan had earlier confirmed the cat deaths — which occurred after sterilisation or due to feline infectious peritonitis — but declined to say how many had died.
Today, the cafe posted detailed accounts of the seven deaths.
A nine-month old male cat by the name of Cookies, for example, developed a anaphylactic reaction – a serious and rapid allergic reaction that may cause death – to sedation administered before the sterilisation. This was despite the cat being certified completely healthy for sterilisation by a vet, and having no pre-existing medical conditions, said the cafe.
With regards to the FIP infection, the cafe said the infection is a mutation of Feline Enteric Coronavirus (FECV). FECV itself is “very common” especially in places where large groups of cats are kept together, such as animal shelters, the cafe said.
Exposure to FECV often produces no clinical signs and carriers of this virus may pass the infection to another cat. In cats with weak immune systems, such as very young and very old cats, the chances of mutation to FIP – which is fatal and incurable – increases, they said.
Adding that they hope members of public will now be able to evaluate the deaths as fairly as possible, the cafe said: “We love our cats a lot, and we want the best for them. None of us here at Cuddles would want any of our cats to pass away. We have consulted with experienced vets on the topics of sterilisation and Feline Infectious Peritonitises.”
They added: “Nonetheless, we apologise to the public for any upset caused. We understand that there are more publications and rumours being spread. We will do our best to answer each and everyone of these allegations in due time.” 
Investigations are currently underway by the AVA.
Facebook comments made in reaction to the cafe’s statement were largely negative and cafe staff were seen engaging the commenters.
A Facebook user by the name of Zuraidah Banafee was not persuaded by the cafe’s explanation. “We have a number of other cat cafes here, many have been around longer and some new. The fact that Cuddles has been the ONLY one in the news for all the wrong reasons to no end, speaks for itself,” she said.
Another user, Weixing Changprom, criticised the environment the cats were immersed in.
“The cats are just like your little chess pieces to manipulate your business, in all honesty from my experience of 15 years of keeping cats, cats don’t need to be around an environment where tons of strangers come touching them, screaming and laughing at volume detrimental to a cat’s hearing,” he said.
Some users expressed appreciation for the cafe’s detailed explanation. Ms Danella Lim, who described herself as a regular visitor at the cafe, said the cafe had always briefed visitors on how to handle the cats.
“I’m sure no one wants to see another living being die without cause or at least without attempting some form of medical intervention,” she wrote. “Cuddles Cat Cafe has attempted to provide a very detailed explanation as to the reasons why these unfortunate events have occurred yet it is not sufficient for many.”
-
Seven is one too many. Hope AVA gets to the root of it and prevent any further deaths.
-
let my cats go!!!!!!
