Dubai cat rescuers are spending up to Dh10,000 each month on food, treatment and rescue work for the city’s stray felines.
Morning feedings at Al Twar Park
Every morning after Fajr prayers, Ahmed loads a 5 kg bag of cat food into his car and heads to Al Twar Park. More than 150 stray cats gather there each day, waiting for the plastic containers he fills with food and water. After the cats eat, Ahmed cleans the area and returns later for a second round. He says the routine has lasted two years and costs him at least Dh5,000 each month on cat food alone.
“I have seen cats die because they had no food or were suffering in the heat,” Ahmed said. “I couldn't ignore them anymore.”
Ahmed is not alone. James, a long‑time cat lover who moved to Dubai, also spends his time feeding and rescuing street cats. Together with his wife, who cares for four rescued cats at home, James estimates his household spends close to Dh10,000 a month on food, rescues and veterinary treatment. He first met Ahmed while trying to help an injured cat in Al Twar, and the sheer number of cats there convinced him that more help was needed.
“We probably spend close to Dh10,000 a month,” James said. “That includes food, rescues and veterinary treatment and more.”
Veterinary care and costs
Over the past five weeks, James and fellow rescuers have helped around six cats, spending nearly Dh24,000 on treatment. The costs vary widely: simple procedures such as blood tests or vaccinations can be as low as Dh90, while more intensive care like parasite treatment or neutering may reach Dh500 or Dh700. One particularly serious case required a treatment costing around Dh4,000.
James notes that rescuing a cat often means more than a quick vet visit. Many animals need weeks of recovery, medication and follow‑up care before they are healthy enough for adoption. The volunteers’ willingness to cover these expenses reflects a deep commitment to improving the welfare of Dubai’s stray feline population.
While the financial outlay is significant, the volunteers say the reward comes in the form of healthier, happier cats that eventually find permanent homes. Their daily routines, from early‑morning feedings to late‑evening treatments, illustrate how ordinary residents can make a tangible difference for the city’s four‑legged companions.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Dubai cat rescuers spend on food and treatment? Dubai cat rescuers are spending up to Dh10,000 each month on food, treatment and rescue work for the city’s stray felines.
What time do cat rescuers feed stray cats in Dubai? Cat rescuers like Ahmed feed stray cats in Dubai every morning after Fajr prayers, which is the time for the first prayer of the day in Islam.
How many stray cats gather at Al Twar Park in Dubai? More than 150 stray cats gather at Al Twar Park in Dubai each day, waiting for food and water from volunteers like Ahmed.
What is the cost of veterinary treatment for stray cats in Dubai? The costs of veterinary treatment for stray cats in Dubai vary widely, ranging from Dh90 for simple procedures like blood tests or vaccinations to Dh500 or Dh700 for more intensive care like parasite treatment or neutering.
Why do cat rescuers in Dubai spend so much on stray cats? Cat rescuers in Dubai spend so much on stray cats because they are committed to improving the welfare of the city’s stray feline population, according to James.
Source: Khaleej Times
