NParks investigating video of man allegedly cutting community cat’s fur in Everton Park
NParks is investigating a case involving a community cat in Everton Park after a video surfaced online showing a man allegedly holding the animal down and cutting its fur.
- A video shows a man allegedly restraining a community cat and cutting its fur in Everton Park.
- NParks has confirmed it is investigating the 7 Feb incident.
- Animal welfare groups warn that cutting a cat’s fur or whiskers can cause distress and health risks.
SINGAPORE:The National Parks Board (NParks) is investigating an incident involving a community cat in Everton Park after a video showing a man allegedly cutting the cat’s fur was circulated online among animal welfare groups.
The cat, known as Timmy, is a five-year-old community cat that lives outside a bakery in Everton Park, in the Tanjong Pagar area. Patches of fur were cut from his body and left cheek, according to his regular caretaker.
Timmy is cared for by Ms Ling, the owner of Charlotte Grace Cakeshop, who feeds and cleans the cat and maintains his resting area outside the shop. The space includes furniture donated by residents in the neighbourhood.
In a video posted on Instagram via the timmytheblackcat_ account, a man wearing gloves and holding a pair of scissors is seen approaching Timmy.
The footage appears to show the man restraining the cat and cutting its fur.
Ms Ling said the incident lasted about six minutes, with the man giving chase after Timmy escaped from his grasp. She added that the incident took place at about 5.28pm on 7 February 2026.
The incident was discovered roughly half an hour later, when an employee leaving the shop noticed clumps of fur scattered around Timmy’s set-up. The cat was nowhere to be found at the time.
Ms Ling said she reviewed closed-circuit television footage to understand what had happened. Timmy was later found hiding in a nearby drain and only emerged after hearing familiar voices calling out to him.
The man involved is not known to residents or shop owners in the area, Ms Ling said.
In an update posted on 9 February on Timmy’s Instagram account, Ms Ling said the cat is recovering from the incident.
She added that Timmy will continue staying indoors at night for the time being as a precautionary measure.
Timmy is a well-known presence in the area and even has his own listing on Google Maps, where he has received about 260 reviews. Visitors frequently describe him as gentle, sweet and playful.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said it has not received a formal report regarding the case. However, it stressed that cutting a cat’s fur or whiskers goes beyond mischief and can negatively affect the animal’s well-being.
According to the SPCA, removing a cat’s protective layer of fur exposes its skin, increasing the risk of sunburn and skin damage. It can also interfere with the animal’s ability to regulate its body temperature.
The organisation added that trimming or cutting a cat’s whiskers is particularly harmful. Whiskers act as sensory tools that help cats navigate their surroundings, and damaging them can lead to disorientation and distress.
According to local media, NParks director for enforcement and investigation Joshua Teoh said NParks is aware of allegations involving a man cutting the fur and whiskers of a cat in Everton Park on 7 Feb. He confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
According to Teoh, all forms of evidence are important in such cases. He said photographic and videographic evidence provided by members of the public can assist NParks in its investigations.
NParks urged the public to report suspected animal welfare cases promptly. Reports can be made through the Animal and Veterinary Service’s online portal at https://go.gov.sg/reporttoavs or by calling the Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600.
