‘Cats of Satori’ volunteer group seeks help to find missing community cats

As of June, 13 beloved cats have been missing from Satori Residences, with resident volunteers calling for transparency and community support

MANILA, Philippines – Cats of Satori, a small group of resident volunteers from DMCI Homes’ Satori Residences in Pasig City, are urgently seeking the public’s help in finding nine community cats who have been missing since June 11. 

The volunteer group first grew concerned on June 11, after noticing the “unusual” absence of the beloved cats that didn’t show up for their usual feeding times. More than two weeks later, despite checking local city pounds in Pasig and Marikina, the cats have not been found.

“Who is responsible for these lives lost?” the group asked.

“We’re reaching out to everyone to help us find our missing community cats. They may be hiding due to the rainy season, but they’ve never gone missing this long before, even during heavy rains,” the group wrote on Facebook. The cats are all spayed or neutered and vaccinated.

The group listed each missing cat and their usual locations around the premises, including photos.

Pearl, Ginger, and Lucy were often seen near the Amani building. Bella and Albus typically roamed near the Lana building, while Hershey was often at the picnic area and Hacana lobby. Atlas was a mainstay in the Lana lobby and pool area, and FC was a cat known for riding elevators and roaming around Rahu and Lana buildings.

Luna, the shy one, usually stayed hidden in Basement 1 near Lana and Rahu, looking similar to her twin Tofu, who has the same color and mostly hides under cars.

Cats of Satori — founded in July 2024 — reiterated that they are not an animal rescue group or a vet clinic, but a small community initiative comprised of residents who care for the cats. The group manages a trap-neuter-return (TNR) program and provides daily feeding, funded by neighbors and supporters of the cause.

Recurring issue

This is not the first reported incident of missing cats in the compound, according to the group. In January, three community cats also disappeared from the Satori compound at the same time and have not been found, which brings the total to 13 missing cats as of June.

Volunteers suspect foul play may be involved in the recent “disturbing incidents of #CATnapping.”

“Harming community cats is an indefensible act that reveals a deep disregard for both compassion and the basic principles of humanity,” the group wrote. “These animals, who are often left to fend for themselves, rely on the kindness of others for survival. To intentionally inflict harm on them reflects a shocking cruelty.”

They shared that people in their community have become more vigilant, with community cat supporters showing up in greater numbers. “This collective response showed the power of community solidarity,” they said as more residents began volunteering to help track the missing cats and protect the remaining ones.

Another volunteer group, Cats of Kai Garden Residences, is pleading for the “humane treatment” of their community cats, after claiming that the DMCI Homes property imposed a “zero stray cat” policy, penalized feeding, and ignored petitions signed by hundreds of residents calling for the protection of community cats. A hotline was even established by the management for reporting stray animals.

“They deserve compassion, not quiet erasure,” one post from Cats of Kai Garden Residences read, expressing full support for Cats of Satori’s plea for help.

“This is not about blame. This is about compassion, accountability, and choosing empathy,” Cats of Satori added.

What the public can do

Cats of Satori is encouraging the public to “speak up and be heard” by signing the petition addressed to DMCI Homes, asking for transparency and protection for the animals. Residents of Satori can also file formal complaints to the developer’s customer care team via email, share the group’s posts on social media, adopt or foster cats, and report any sightings or suspicious behavior.

“Community cats are not the problem. They are cared for by resident volunteers, neutered, and part of the community,” Cats of Kai Garden Residences wrote.

“What’s happening at Satori Residences is both heartbreaking and all too familiar. We stand with our fellow volunteers in calling for humane treatment, transparency, and urgent support for their remaining community cats.” – Rappler.com