Raising four cats costly, but gives Rui En four times the joy

In this new series, The Straits Times speaks to pet-owning personalities about the trials and delights of raising their fur kids

- Joanne Soh

Never did Rui En dream that a nudge and a touch were all she needed to bring her comfort during a time of grief four years ago.

The home-grown actress was mourning the passing of her two female four-year-old Persian cats, Michi and Muppet, who died of illness within six months of each other in 2020.

Her other cat, Momo, a ginger Exotic Shorthair, sat next to her and used his paw to stroke her hand.

"It was a very painful period for me. I remember one night sitting on my bed crying, then I felt something slowly stroking my hand," says Rui En, 43. "Momo was so affectionate and sweet. I did not expect him to respond that way."

A proud "pawrent" of four "warm and friendly" cats, she says they are "such misunderstood animals". She adds: "They are not as aloof and cold as people think."

The actress is an animal lover who recently made her directorial debut in Homebound (2024), an anthology of five short films celebrating stories of resilience, hope and healing surrounding shelter dogs in Singapore.

Her 15-minute film, Bacon, starred local actor Andie Chen and animal welfare group SOSD's shelter dog, a Singapore Special named Lengzai.