What you can do to help stray cats in Qatar
It is no surprise the cat population is increasing from an already high number. Almost every area in Doha is dotted with litters and more litters and as difficult as it might be, we must do our bit to take care of them.
You don't have to love cats, all you need is a little humanity to make a huge difference.
Water - Cats feel thirsty too. And they barely have access to any water. Buy a few small plastic or aluminium bowls to keep in your car, especially if you drive.
Every time you see strays, pour some water and leave it for them to drink. They might run away initially, but once you leave the spot, they will come back and drink it up.
Food - Cat food is quite inexpensive and a bag or box of it will cost you an average of merely 15 - 20 QR. Keep a bag of cat food in your car to feed cats whenever you get a chance. Again, they might get scared and run away but leave some for them anyway.
Adopt, don't buy - As tempting as it might be to buy exotic breeds and even regular ones, save your money and give a forever home to a cat who has been abandoned or just a stray. There are several rescue centers from where you can adopt cats.
Edmond Uchiha (QL Flickr Group)
Neuter - This might not be an easy task, but will make a great difference to the growing cat population in Qatar. Don't worry about how much it might cost you because the government vet center on Airport Road does it for free.
Volunteer - There are many volunteer organizations and rescue centers who are in dire need of volunteers. Spending one day of your week to help at these centers will make a huge difference. It is also a chance to play with and care for cats, especially if you can't have one of your own.
Donate - If volunteering itself is too much for you, remember that these centers have high running costs and are constantly in need of funds. Every penny you donate will come in handy for them. If you don't want to donate cash, there's lots of other things you can do like participate in their sales, or raise funds for these organizations in any way you can.
These are not at all difficult to do and require minimum efforts. Always remember that having a pet is a commitment, and one mustn't do it if he/she is ultimately going to abandon it.
How many of the above do you do?
Cover Image: Vijo Jose (QL Flickr Group)
It's sad to know that our smallest friends seem to suffer the most. We really need a year round trap, spayed, and release program. The key is to get to these poor guys before they create more. It's a kind heart of person who would take a minute to give one of our furry friends a bit of water. Or a bite of your shwarma. No pickles please.
stray cats numbers in qatar have escalated to the level of pests and need to be exterminated.
Where would you export them to and who would pay for the costs ?
Shereen, That's right as you care to write about the poor souls .......... ........ People need to come forward and contribute in which ever they can ........... Exporting the excess quantity would be a profitable idea ......... ......... .........
I will always help organizations like QAWS and PAWS - they do a great job with very little support.
I also agree that one should adopt , rather than buy ...
However, I also feel that there are too many wild cats around Doha and feeding them will only increase their numbers more.
There needs to be a coordinated effort by the authorities to help reduce the already large numbers - How ? I don't know!
Do cats here love "camel milk and dates?"