The SPCA Kota Kinabalu is a non-government organisation approved under the registry of societies Malaysia. Until 2017, SPCA Kota Kinabalu have done their utmost best for rescued animals of Sabah while struggling with premises. They have been restricted in what they can offer, mainly due to property and location which was small, temporary and subject to flooding. Despite their very limited resources, they have established a successful adoption program and provided care for injured animals.

In 2015 a generous benefactor donated 4.5 acres of land to the SPCA Kota Kinabalu for the purpose of constructing a rehabilitation and adoption centre. In 2016, plans were approved by the local council to build a large dog kennel, a cattery, a veterinary centre, a TNR centre, education centre and staff accommodation. Once completed, it will be the first such facility is in Sabah, a groundbreaking feat for animal welfare. Once they obtained their permanent location, we at Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures were able to assist with a wonderful new purpose built rescue home and rehabilitation centre for the cats of Sabah.

Downbelow Marine & Wildlife is very committed to the Animal Welfare Cat Shelter SPCA Kota Kinabalu. We designed, built and paid for its construction.

Managing Director Richard Swann is a Platinum PADI Course Director who previously owned a construction business in the UK. He is a qualified stone-mason so with his expertise, Richard together with individuals from the Downbelow Adventure Lodge and Downbelow PADI 5 Star Career Development Centre team managed to build the cattery within a two month period with their hard work.

The Downbelow team from our head office also got involved and helped paint the building so that it was ready for the cats to move in on 17th February 2017.

The Animal Welfare Cat Shelter SPCA Kota Kinabalu now accommodates 80 cats separated into sections depending on their ability to socialise & their health. Each section is designed to keep the cats engaged with climbing walls, scratch pads and play toys. Each pen has access to an outside section so for a period of time every day individual pens will be open and the cats can roam more freely within a confined larger area, eat grass and enjoy some sunshine. With further development and awareness for the adoption program we hope the cats will not be living at the centre for too long and we will see a turnover of animals re-homed.

We are excited to help more and more needy cats ensuring they are being safely looked after by the staff team of the SPCA and our own staff contribution. We have found a suitable person and are also funding the salary for a permanent team member whose name is Juvina and she is now full time in the shelter specifically dedicated to the cats. We are now offering trips to our clients so they can learn more of the great work being done by this non-profit organisation and how they can assist in grooming, walking, cleaning and generally spending time with the animals to brighten their day.

We are currently funding food, litter and veterinary care as well as the general upkeep of the building and would appreciate any help offered for anyone wishing to become involved at whatever level they wish. There is still much work to be done and if anyone is reading this and wants to get involved, please contact SPCA directly to support them, we also act as a drop centre for donated goods (food, cat litter, bedding etc). Please share the news and get involved in this community project so we can help more of Sabah’s needy animals. Together we can make a difference!