One Shell petrol station in Taman Molek, Johor Bahru has been garnering a fair bit of attention lately, with many people making special trips there to meet one of its “employees”.
This isn’t surprising as he cuts a dashing figure in his uniform. And oozing charm, he quickly wins over those he meets. Meet Jit Jit, the ginger-coloured cat and star “employee” of this petrol station.
So, how did this oyen (orange cat) successfully land the job? “One day in May, he just appeared out of nowhere,” recalled Nabil Ishak, 25, an employee at the petrol station.
With no home to call his own, no idea where his next meal was coming from, and no resumé on hand (or paw), the feline knew he had to rely on his good looks to survive.
So, he hung around the petrol station and worked his charm until the employees began feeding him and showering him with pets.
“The rest is history,” said Nabil fondly. Naming the feline “Jit Jit”, the staff there even ordered a uniform in his size and a name tag for him!
Jit Jit’s remuneration package is admittedly cushy as he is given free board and an unlimited supply of food. “We also pay him in treats and cuddles,” said Nabil.
As word spread about the adorable oyen “working” at the station, Jit Jit quickly amassed a network of fans. One person, Nabil shared, even travelled from Taman Perling, some 20km away, just to meet him.
So, what does a typical working day for Jit Jit look like? Well, he apparently sleeps on the job – literally.
Still, Fuad Othman, the petrol station’s retailer, has nothing but praises for Jit Jit, giving him a rating of 4.9 out of 5. “He makes customers happy, and it adds value to the service we provide,” said Fuad with a chuckle.
“Some customers have even brought their cats to be introduced to Jit Jit. Our sales have improved because of him,” added Fuad, 46.
Fans of Jit Jit drop by with treats for him. “But we encourage them to give us the treats first, so we can make sure it’s safe for Jit Jit,” said Nabil.
He also described the cat as a “good boy” as he doesn’t enter the shop or create a mess by scratching boxes. Jit Jit also knows that posing for pictures is part and parcel of his job and dutifully indulges his fans. He even allows them to pet him on occasion.
However, there are two things the kitty doesn’t fancy: having his tummy rubbed and having other cats encroach upon his space. After all, there is only room for one star in this show!
Despite his tendency to “slack off” on the job, his colleagues love him and Nabil shared that Jit Jit’s presence has made the station a more inviting place. “If you have the resources to care for a stray, don’t hesitate to do it,” he concluded with a smile.
It does make one wonder if oyen cats are taking over the workplace. After all, Oyen of Zoo Negara gained international fame as the kitty that revived the national zoo post-pandemic.
Meanwhile, King Oyen is another handsome cat steadily trailblazing his way in the local “cat influencers” scene.
Only time will tell. But until then, here’s a video of the “largest orange cat gathering” at KLIA in May this year. With their irresistibly cute faces and (notoriously) colourful personalities, perhaps these cats might just conquer the world soon!
This article was written by Sheela Vijayan @ FMT Lifestyle. Read more pet stories here.
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