Feline R&R: Auliya Mohd Aidi, seven, playing with cats at Catopia in Shah Alam. Looking on is MBSA Landscape Department deputy director Khairunnisa Mohd Zaini. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star
The brainchild of Shah Alam City Council landscape architect Khairunnisa Mohd Zaini, Catopia took over a month to design. Mayor Datuk Mohd Fauzi Mohd Yatim acknowledged Shah Alam’s large cat population and concerns owners had about letting their felines roam free.“Most people keep their cats indoors, but there are owners who cannot decide if they should let their pets roam outdoors as many are afraid their cats will fight with other cats or contract skin diseases,” he said.
“MBSA decided to allocate an open space for the cat playground to encourage owners to bring their pets outdoor and encourage their overall development,” added Mohd Fauzi.“Watching a cat’s behaviour at Catopia can be revealing as it tells you a lot about their needs,” he said. The park even has an orange cat mascot named Oyen to attract children to Catopia and educate them about responsible pet care.MBSA Landscape Department director Majidah Md Ali emphasised the importance of green spaces in Shah Alam’s urban sprawl.“The park cost an estimated RM360,000 with a significant portion dedicated to building the cat houses, bridges, tunnels and scratching posts, as well as a drinking fountain for the furry animals,” said Majidah.
“Catopia is an investment in Shah Alam’s future as a liveable city for both humans and felines,” she added.It has the potential to become a tourist magnet, attracting cat cafes, pop-up shops and even cat fairs that could partner with MBSA’s Car Free Day event.