A cat has feelings too, visits master's grave every day for past two years

KUALA LUMPUR: This cat, Nana, is neither a Persian breed, nor a Scottish Fold. In fact, it is far from a Russian blue pedigree - which may be the ‘craze’ of many lovers of the “purry” ones.

However, it is not the breed that is in question here, but the love of a male cat in in Kampung Paloh, Tanah Merah, Kelantan to its owner.

Perhaps many of us know the story of the loyalty of a Japanese dog named Hachiko -- there is a movie under the same title -- who never got tired of waiting for his master at Tokyo's Shibuya station for almost 10 years after the death of its owner in 1925.

In fact, the Japanese government had built a monument in front of the station in memory of the animal.

In Malaysia, it is not impossible that Nana's story can be as great as Hachiko!

Since the passing of his master in July 2018, every morning this cute orange one will visit the grave of the late Ab Aziz Ismail which is located about five meters from the family’s house.

No one could understand what is locked in the heart of this cat.

It seems to be carrying a very heavy burden of longing for the late Ab Aziz who died due to kidney complications.

More touchingly, within three months of the passing of Ab Aziz, Nana was said to have lost his appetite -- perhaps still saddened by the loss of his beloved guardian.

Sharing the story, Ab Aziz ‘s wife, Hasnah Che Amat, 68, said for 40 days from the day of her husband's death, she and her family would go to the grave daily to recite the Yasin.

And usually, Nana would arrive first at the graveyard and sit at one end of the grave.

"From there we saw the miracle of love between Nana and my late husband. In fact, until now, every Friday morning when we visit the grave, he is already there.

"There have been times when I peeked through the window (early in the morning), I saw Nana (at the grave)… don’t know what time he would get there," she said.

Nana was taken care of by the family for the past six years and became the pet of the late Ab Aziz.

Hasnah explained that during her husband's life, Nana, who was much loved by her late husband, would faithfully wait at the fence for Ab Aziz to come home from his Subuh prayer at a nearby mosque.

Apart from visiting the grave, the male cat of the local breed also spends time on the car left by the late Ab Aziz, apart from the cradle which was the deceased's favourite place.

Now, even though Hasnah's family only visits the grave once a week, Nana would still continue his routine every morning -- spending time sitting by the grave or sleeping in the area.

Such is the great picture of this cat's love.

Despite the increasing cases of animal abuse, hopefully Nana's story can serve us as a lesson and proof that the love for God's created beings is necessary.