It was Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic’s work that first captured the imagination of Penangites and visitors to the island. But since then there’s been a proliferation of creativity taking to Georgetown’s walls, including some super kawaii cat and kitten themed designs.
The cat murals and installations, collectively known as “101 Lost Kittens”, are the work of ASA, short for Artists for Stray Animals and were created back in 2013 in conjunction with George Town Festival 2013.
Initiated by LASSie (Langkawi Animal Shelter and Sanctuary Foundation), a non-profit which receives, rehabilitates and cares for neglected, abused and needy animals, the 12 pieces were produced by Malaysian artists Tang Yeok Khang and Louise Low, and Thai artist Natthaton Muangkliang.
The artists’ objective was to use art as a medium to create social awareness drawing attention to the plight of stray cats and dogs, but it’s also a great way to encourage visitors and locals to discover the back lanes of the UNESCO World Heritage Site listed city . As the murals were painted using environmentally friendly that is expected to wash off in another year, you had better get spotting before it disappears.
Love Me Like Your Fortune Cat
A cat surrounded by maneki-neko or beckoning cats. There are many different accounts of how maneki-neko came to be, but the most popular is a variation on the tale of a cat that waved a stranger or its “human” to safety. The considerate cat has been immortalized as the symbol of good fortune ever since.
Even If Handicapped, Still Love Me
Initially installed in front of the entrance of China House restaurant and art space, this gargantuan maneki-neko sitting atop a cart depicts a handicapped cat. Street animals must face daily dangers from traffic and may be killed or maimed if hit by a vehicle. These special needs animals need special care as they would not be able to fend for themselves.
The Real Bruce Lee Would Never Do This
2 of the 5 tenets of animal welfare are freedom from pain, injury and disease and freedom from fear and distress. So don’t ever kick a cat or a dog or any other animal. It’s cruel and there are laws against it. Kung Fu sifu Bruce Lee certainly wouldn’t.
Shade Me If You Love Me
Located on Victoria Street, Shade Me If You Love Me is a reminder to all that animals should be provided with shelter and a comfortable resting area free from the discomfort that can be caused by extreme heat or rain. Better yet, adopt and give them a roof over their heads.
Cats & Humans Happily Living Together
Fusing a love for animals with culture and tradition, this artwork depicts a Taoist procession featuring very cute cats. According to artist Tang Yeok Khang, the artwork is meant to emphasise equality among all living things.
Please Care & Bathe Me
These instructions on how to care for your adopted furry family member are located on Singapore House near Armenian Street Ghaut. But dont forget care also includes ensuring your pet cat or dog is spayed or neutered to avoid a proliferation of unwanted animals.
Skippy Comes to Penang
One of the largest murals in 101 Lost Kittens’ series of 12, this piece is based on LASSie mascot and real life cat Skippy who has “come to Penang” to encourage people to consider the plight of the city’s stray animal population.
Meet Skippy
Here’s Skippy in the flesh, the real life ginger tabby that was rescued 9 years ago by LASSie. Skippy now makes the grounds of Bon Ton resort on Langkawi island her forever home. She was found with a deformed leg begging for scraps.
Other art works include the self explanatory “Take Time To Sit With Your Pet”, “Fine 500 For Littering, Sterilize Instead” and “No Animal Discrimination Please.”
For Georgetown Festival 2014, Chinahouse and LASSie and looking for people to submit designs for a cat or dog house on wheels as part of their “All Animals Need a Home” initiative. The deadline is 1 August, and winners will win 3 days/2 nights stay at the gorgeous Temple Tree Langkawi and a RM400 voucher for China House in Penang. Find out more by mailing art@chinahouse.com.my.
Versions of this article have also appeared in Business Insider Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, and MSN Malaysia.
POKOK KELAPA 
Oh wow so much great artwork 🙂
Yes! Hope to share more great street art from Penang and around the world in subsequent posts. Thanks for noticing. FYI I LOVE cats!
Me too ;). I’ll reblog your art on my blog at some point! Need to find a good day for it hehe. Mine is all about cats btw 😀
Yes I noticed! The only way to get through a day is to look at pix of cats. Or have a cat… : )
Yep so true :D. I have 2 and my best friend has two as well. So plenty if cat antics haha. And thanks for stopping by on mine 🙂