Till about a year ago, Versova's Manik Moti was one of the many housing societies involved in a bitter battle with its resident feeders: the 15 felines on premises being the bone of contention. But, the years of hostility is now a thing of the past, thanks to a new initiative by the animal-loving residents of the building.

Eating out of a bowl
Film-maker Mirza Askari and a retired professor from Sydenham College, Abdul Sattar Basra, with the help of a few other residents, have installed cat stations in the compound. Located in four different locations, these are wall-mounted shelves that function as feeding spots, while doubling up as cosy corners for the cats to curl up. The handcrafted shelves made with scrap wood are equipped with bowls for food. They have also added water bowls as the animals often end up drinking contaminated water from the sewage.