Cat lovers continue spending on pets despite GST

Malaysia Cat Club president Khalid Rashid said although cat lovers feel the impact of the new prices after the imposition of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), it will not stop them from spending for their cats.

One cat lover, Yusri Shaari, said he spends about RM3,000 a month for the 14 cats he has.

"Of the 14, 11 are Bengal cats. For their food alone I need three pounds of fresh meat a day, this cost as well as the additional food and medical expenses are also subject to GST."

"The GST will not dissuade me from continuing to shop for my cats who are my daily companions," he said when met at the Malaysia Fun Cat Club Cat Show and Animal Lover Fest in conjunction with National Craft Day 2015 at Laman Wau, Kompleks Kraf Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur, Saturday.

His views were shared by Haziq Ahmad Hamid who spends about RM1,500 to RM2,000 per month, not including medical costs for his 15 cats.

"The GST does affect my monthly expenses, but it will not prevent me from continuing to take care of my cats, my favourite hobby since childhood.

"I personally would rather spend my money towards nutritious cat food and dietary supplements so as to reduce the cost of their medical bills," he said.

The main purpose of the competition was to gather Malaysian cat lovers in one place and exchange opinions about cats care and proper diet.

The event was enlivened with various games like pretty cat competition, decorating the cat cage contest and cat 'fashion show'.