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Editor's Note: The results of the fifth SCNU English Writing and Short Video Contest have been announced on the website of the Office of International Exchange & Cooperation of SCNU (see results). We congratulate all prize winners on their outstanding performance. Winning entries will be published in this column.
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On the vibrant Nanhai campus of South China Normal University (SCNU) there is a community that thrives in quiet dedication. Among the many cats that roam the campus, one stands out–––an orange tabby known as Pirate. Pirate first appeared on the school's lawn with its right eye badly injured, leaving it wary of humans and the world around it.
The pain and infection forced the cat to curl up hiding itself in the bushes for extended hours. Concerns spread among members of the Nanhai Big Yellow Cat Association and they swiftly organized fund-raising among students and staff of this caring campus to pay for an urgent surgery. After weeks of care, Pirate emerged transformed—–not only tidier in appearance, but also gentler in temperament, as if he had begun to trust the humans who had shown him such kindness.
This story reflects the mission of the Nanhai Big Yellow Cat Association. More than just a campus club, it is a community bonded by compassion and a shared commitment to the well-being of the stray cats that have become an integral part of SCNU's family.
The orange cat "Pirate".
The rescue of Pirate is not an isolated act, it reflects the essence of this association’s work. Its members—students, teachers, and staff from various backgrounds—are united by their love for these furry companions. Together, they work tirelessly to raise donations, care for stray cats, and create a harmonious environment where humans and stray cats coexist peacefully. “These activities are not subsidized by the school,” explained the current monitor of the association, Xu Bohong. “We rely on fundraising and finding sponsors for everything from cat food to medical expenses. We are deeply grateful to the pet food merchants and animal hospitals for their willingness to lend a helping hand to the stray cats on campus. Without them, our rescue efforts would not be possible.”
Every step the association takes—whether it’s feeding, rescuing an injured cat, or promoting adoption—stems from unwavering commitment to kindness and responsibility. Not only do they care about the cats, but they also spare no efforts to address the challenges these animals face in a thoughtful and sustainable way.
Take feeding, for example. Before this association was established, stray cats scavenged for leftovers in garbage bins, risking illness and injury. Now, thanks to the association’s efforts on studying the dietary requirements of stray cats, students are encouraged to provide them with appropriate food that meets their nutritional needs. “We hope more caring people will join us in feeding these cats responsibly” said a member. “By offering proper cat food instead of unhealthy snacks, we can ensure they stay healthy and avoid issues like picky eating and malnutrition.”
Feeding cats.
But feeding alone is never enough. Injuries, illnesses, and the constant threat of overpopulation cast long shadows over the lives of stray cats. When a cat is injured or in trouble, the members will take immediate action, coordinating with local veterinarians and animal rescue organizations. Situations are communicated through a WeChat group run by the association, and volunteers are convened to bring the injured cats to and from the hospital, creating a safety net for these campus cats.
Perhaps one of the most rewarding moments in the association’s work comes when a stray cat finds a loving home. The team pours their energy into connecting these lovely cats with kind adopters, carefully vetting each potential family to ensure that each cat will be properly taken care of. For the members, every successful adoption is a bittersweet moment—a farewell that makes the start of a new, brighter chapter for the cats.
The cat takes a nap in the grass.
Even as they celebrate each adoption, the association never loses sight of the bigger picture. They recognize that the problem of stray cats cannot be solved by individual rescues alone—it requires a sustainable, long-term approach. That is why the association embraces the TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) method—a humane and effective way to control stray cat population. By trapping cats, neutering them, and setting them free, the association reduces overpopulation while allowing them to remain in their familiar environments.
Hu Xiwen, a passionate member of the association, summarized their mission beautifully: “While the campus cats are our companions, our friends, and even part of our family, we must never forget that they are still stray animals. They also want a warm, stable home where they can feel safe and loved. I hope everyone can choose adoption over purchasing, so that these adorable cats can find the homes they deserve."
Nanhai Big Yellow Cat LOGO.S
The work of the Nanhai Big Yellow Cat Association may go unnoticed by many, but its impact is undeniable. From rescuing kittens like Pirate to shaping the campus culture, they have written one of the most touching chapters in the story of SCNU. With every purr, every meal, and every cat given a second chance, they remind us that even the smallest acts of love can create profound change.
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