Is Meow-Meow Marked Safe?
Is Meow-Meow Marked Safe?
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The Link, May 8, 2025
By Juan Javier F. Manalad
In the tropical country of the Philippines, typhoons are just another occurrence that us Filipinos have to deal with. As these tropical cyclones come and go each year, our society has developed to enact safety measures to ensure that we humans stay protected. However, while we are able to say that we come prepared to face these typhoons, can the same be said for the other members of our community, the stray animals?
Filipino citizens have recently been made aware of the next incoming typhoon set to approach the Philippines. President Marcos has already issued instructions to all government agencies to stay on alert and prepare necessary rescue protocols in response to the now named Typhoon Marce. As I see all these readiness actions being put in place, I am assured of my own safety come the time of Marce’s arrival, though my worries are instead directed to the stray cats and dogs that also reside on my home street in Pasig.
I’m especially worried about Meow-Meow. That is the name I gave to the stray calico cat that I see roaming around the street, and occasionally stealing food from the bowl I place outside for my own cat. She approaches me at times and I am able to pet her head, also allowing me to see that she has no collar, and no owner.
It gets scary when the rain heavies, causing floods to rise from our street. Fortunately, with the recent drainage project in Pasig City, the flood does not get up so high from a person’s ankles, though this still poses great danger to our shorter stray neighbors. I cannot help but wonder where other strays like Meow-Meow would be able to seek refuge in situations like these, with water levels high up to their necks.
Thankfully, I still see Meow-Meow walking around from time to time, but when I pet her I see how dirty her fur and paws have gotten. I really have no idea how Meow-Meow is able to survive such strong storms, and it is honestly a miracle that I am still able to see her cute face until now.
Is it always going to be like this? Am I always going to worry that after each typhoon that hits the Philippines, I might not see Meow-Meow again? It is totally understandable that we as humans would want to prioritize our own safety first, though I do not think that we should then just leave the stray animals to fend for themselves.
As a community, we must not forget that our animals are also important members within our society. Especially in times of crisis, we need to take into consideration the safety and wellbeing of our strays. If we are able to take care of our own pets, why can we not show that same care to our strays as well?
Each day I see Meow-Meow on the street, I know that it is going to be a good day. I would hate to see a day come where she would not be able to assure me that anymore.
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