Two women, dressed in business attire, conversed at a fashionable tea shop. Having finished their work-related discussion, talk turned to family. “I’m ashamed to admit this, but sometimes, I love my cats more than my kids! They love me unconditionally, never complain and cost so little to raise, I can’t help myself!”

Her colleague began laughing uncontrollably. “I feel the same way!” she said. And so the conversation about cats continued as the two cat moms bonded over their favourite pet.

If you love animals — particularly cats — you probably identify with these two. Cats are comical, sweet, funny, affectionate companions; they’re so irresistible, it’s impossible to ignore them.

But sadly, not every Singapore cat has a forever home and loving human parents, which is why Singapore’s Cat Welfare Society (CWS) was founded. To help raise awareness and funds to care for homeless felines throughout the nation, the CWS, in concert with Pink Apple and Pet Lovers Centre, will stage the Garfield Run on 12 November 2016 at The Promontory at Marina Bay.

Why participate? ‘Cause it’s the purrfect family event, of course.

A Cause to Meow About

Cat lovers know that the world isn’t necessarily a kind place. Unfettered reproduction in Singapore often leads to overpopulation and abuse, which is why the CSW has worked tirelessly to offer humane assistance that includes sheltering, adoptions and the biggest boon of all: sterilisation to quell the overpopulation problem.

Selfless volunteers with caring hearts save felines every day, but like all charitable groups, funding is a critical need - particularly when Singapore's cat population is threatened.

Of late, communities like Nee Soon South have had to deal with a contentious “cat removal” debate in which a member of that town council circulated a petition calling for what cat lovers in the area are now referring to as “cat culling.” The term stands for authorised cat killings to contain the feral feline populations.

Bottom line is that sterilisation is the only solution to avoiding drastic actions against these innocent animals, and you can help by participating in the Garfield Run with friends and family.

What’s Not to Love About Garfield?

Talk about having more than 9 lives — Garfield’s been around since June 19, 1978 when cartoonist Jim Davis first drew this goofy, endearing orange Tabby with too many character flaws to count! Forget Friskies and milk; Garfield’s passion for lasagna and coffee are legendary. Left to his own devices, he spends his days TV channel surfing.

Garfield isn’t owned by cartoon dad Jon Arbuckle; instead Garfield owns Jim - and has for nearly 40 years! Who’s the star of the household? The cat, of course.

Garfield’s professional resume includes a syndicated comic strip, TV show, movies and DVDs, plus so many products bearing his name and image, this cynical cat is seen everywhere. How famous is the lazy, lasagna-eating kitty?

263,000,000 people around the globe read his comic strip daily and over 130,000,000 Garfield books have been sold. Is it any wonder he was the perfect pick for this charity race?

Race to The Food Bowl!

There won’t be a bowl full of lasagna waiting for you at the end of your Garfield Run on 12 November 2016, but you may not care because by supporting this magnificent effort, you’re going to feel full — full of gratitude and joy.

Registration is now open, so whether you love to exercise or, like Garfield, the only event in which you care to participate is a snoozing marathon, you won’t have to put in a lot of effort to do a lot of good.

Start by visiting the Garfield Run site to catch a glimpse of the signature run t-shirt; it features Garfield’s face on the front and his tail on the back. Sign on for the 3km Fun Run or opt for any of the three competitive races being staged that day: the 5km Garfield & Arlene Couples Run, the 5km Garfield and Odie Buddies Run or the 1km Garfield Run for Kids.

Grab your spot now and save enough to buy your kitty some treats by registering during the early bird period that ends on 15th August. We’re not telling Garfield about this deadline because if he thinks there’s a bird to snag, it won’t be pretty!

If you happen to miss the early bird deadline, no worries. There’s a promotional period between 16 August and 15 September that offers discount packages to couples and kids, so you’ll still save money.

Garfield Loves Goodies — You will Too

Race entitlements are reason enough to sign on for this happy event. We’ve already mentioned that adorable t-shirt, and children will be particularly excited to get their own Garfield plush cat.

Only two timing chips per family team will be dispensed, but that doesn’t mean race results won’t include all team members since times will be combined to produce the family’s total. Finisher medals will be handed out at the conclusion of the race.

Kids, this notice is just for you: It’s not fair to beat your parent to the finish line! You must all finish together to collect your rewards.

By the way, Garfield won't show up at the race entry pack collection site because he’ll be banking his ZZZZZZs, but you can head for Velocity at Novena on 5 and 6 November between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. to pick up your materials. Once you've got your race goodies, you're good to go.

Sadly, you can’t bring your own pet kitty to the race, but if you tell her that you’re leaving home just long enough to help the cats of Singapore, she’ll understand. If she doesn’t, you can always bring home that new bag of treats and beg her forgiveness.

Are you a cat lover, a dog lover or do you own an exotic pet? If your answer is none of the above, how do you survive without something furry to cuddle?