Shah Alam’s Catopia not a playground, warns concerned citizen

SHAH ALAM – Catopia Shah Alam, a purpose-built park designed exclusively for felines, has recently come under scrutiny as concerns grow over children misusing the space as a playground, raising safety risks and distressing resident cats.

What may appear to be a whimsical playground full of colourful climbing structures and cosy nooks is, in fact, a unique outdoor haven meant for cats.

The issue was highlighted by digital creator Ahmad Riyal (@ahmaddriyal), whose Instagram Reel posted on June 2 went viral.

In the video, he urged parents to be more mindful and not treat the feline-focused space as a recreational area for children.

“Dear parents, please do not let your children play in Catopia. This beautifully designed space is meant for cats only, not kids,” he said in the Reel.

Riyal’s post highlights the potential risks of misusing the space, noting that there were no safety railings on staircases and elevated platforms in Catopia.

In his video posted on June 2, which has since garnered over 1,264 likes, Riyal expressed concern over how some families have allowed their children to run, climb, and play freely in the cat-designed area, often ignoring the signs that clearly state it is intended for felines. Photo: Instagram/@ahmaddriyal

He added that hard surfaces without padding also posed a high risk of injury to children in the event of a fall.

Additionally, he stressed that resident cats in the designated cat park would feel unsafe or harassed when chased or touched by excitable and unknowing children.

“The cats here don’t like it when the kids play here too,” his post read.

Riyal reminded parents that there are two proper children’s playgrounds located right next to Catopia and encouraged them to take their kids there instead.

“Let’s respect cat spaces and keep our kids safe,” he added.

Riyal’s video sparked conversations in the comments, especially among cat owners who felt the park was no longer a peaceful space for their pets.

One commenter said they had stopped visiting after their cat was constantly disturbed by unsupervised children, while another expressed frustration over parents who blatantly ignored posted signs.

Many thanked Riyal for bringing attention to the issue, hoping that his viral post would help restore Catopia to its original peaceful purpose.

Among those who voiced support was Fly FM radio host Ean Nasrun, who commented on Riyal’s Instagram Reel:

“Parents need to be more aware! Good on you to post this,” Ean wrote.

Opened in July 2024 and officially launched by Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, Catopia Shah Alam was created by the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) as part of its vision to make the city more pet-friendly.

Situated at Dataran Kemerdekaan, Section 14, Catopia spans 800 square metres and is encircled by a 1.2-metre anti-climb fence to keep cats safe.

Designed with input from local cat lovers, the park features 14 cat houses, a mini shower pool, grass areas for running, cat tunnels, climbing structures, bridges and wheels, designated litter areas and feeding stations and a charming mascot named Ikon Oyen, meant to educate children about animal care.

Shah Alam mayor Datuk Mohd Fauzi Mohd Yatim previously said Catopia has welcomed over 1,500 visitors since its opening and has received awards for excellence in urban planning.

“We aim to use this park as a platform for the public and Shah Alam residents to bring their cats to enjoy the facilities provided so that the cats and their owners can release their stress,” he reportedly said.