September 28, 2025
Contributor & Photo by: Sarah Permatasari
Sometimes, the biggest movements start from the smallest moments. For the cats care community at the Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII), it began with a single sick orange cat that came to a student’s room, sparking the effort to start feeding cats around the dorm. This individual act was fueled by a wider concern for the many cats on campus.
Now led by Amina Urooj, an MA student in Political Science, the group includes members from various faculties. The idea solidified after a discussion with a senior, which led to connecting with a small, existing group of cat feeders. Following a positive response to an announcement in a student group, a WhatsApp community was quickly formed, gathering many members to join the cause.
The community’s mission is a true labor of love, focusing on feeding the cats, providing medical treatment for those who are sick, and working towards getting them vaccinated. Their effort is well-organized; members have a rotating daily schedule to feed the cats at designated spots around campus, such as the faculty areas, mosque, dorms, and library.
At these points, they have set up centralized feeding stations, hoping to keep the campus tidy and ensure the cats have a specific place to eat.
As a student-based group, they face their own set of challenges. Time management is a constant juggle, as members have to balance their academic deadlines and assignments with the daily rounds of caring for the cats. Funding is another significant hurdle, as they have limited resources for medical needs like medicine and vaccines.
To manage this, they rely on funds collected from members and have also received support from a professor, Prof Farish A. Noor, and his wife, who is also a cat lover. Every donation and expense is carefully recorded each month, showing their dedication and transparency.
Looking ahead, the community hopes to become formally established and collaborate with more student entities on campus. By becoming more widely known, they hope to attract more people who can support their cause. It’s a journey of compassion, proving that a simple act of care can create a powerful ripple effect. For those who want to know more or support their work, you can find them on Instagram at @campuscatscare.
Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia
