Stray cats adopted by Philippine security guards

Conan, a six-month-old stray cat wearing a black and yellow security vest, has become a sensation on the internet with his nonchalant strolls past security guards outside a Philippine office building. 

Although Conan lacks the security skills of dogs, his cuteness and affable demeanor have endeared him to the guards, who work a tedious 12-hour shift, and the passers-by at the Corporate Center in Manila.

^{(Photo by JAM STA ROSA / AFP)}

Conan was rescued when he was a few weeks old by a housekeeper, who found him wailing in the building’s car park. He became the security cat of the building after his predecessor, Mingming, passed away.

Grieving security guards wanting another furry friend to brighten up their shifts decided to appoint Conan as Mingming’s replacement.

Today, Conan is one of over a dozen strays living in commercial and corporate buildings, where they have the freedom to roam.

Employees buy food for them. Conan’s photos have been shared thousands of times on Facebook, showing him lying on a desk next to a life-size cardboard picture of Mingming and wearing his vest emblazoned with “security”, showing he has become part of the security guards.

^{(Photo by JAM STA ROSA / AFP)}

Despite enjoying a life of leisure, Conan shows little interest in helping his human colleagues in their security duties, such as searching bags of shoppers and workers as they enter the building.

Instead, he prefers to sleep, laze in front of Starbucks, or chase balls across the tiled floor, much to the delight of passers-by.

Aljon Aquino, a security guard who has formed an attachment to Conan, states, “If Conan isn’t around, then I’m not motivated. He takes away my stress.” 

Conan has become a companion to the guards in the long, tiring shifts, offering support and comfort in his own unique way.

^{(Photo by JAM STA ROSA / AFP)}

This situation reminds us that even in the unlikeliest of places, the love for animals can manifest and bring comfort and joy to people’s lives, just like it did for the security guards in Manila.