This week Michelle speaks to Aisha Hussain all about her cat rescue mission to help the colonies of stray cats living in the UAE with friend Evelyn. Evelyn has also been working tirelessly to help stray cats internationally and together they are helping so many cats. Aisha is a British teacher currently living in the UAE with her husband. She quickly noticed a vast local problem with sick stray cats and wanted to take action to do something about this. So many of our fellow cat lovers and owners often feed cats on holiday abroad and whilst this is a beautiful sentiment there is a bigger problem that needs to be addressed. Aisha has been working hard to ensure that colonies of cats aren’t rapidly multiplying or catching diseases, especially living in such hot and harsh conditions. The two women aim to ensure that stray cats are set up on a neutering program; receive health checks, provide starving cats with food and water, and help cats find a foster or forever home. So many cats are testing FIV and parvo positive, which is heartbreaking. Aisha has been doing this work alone thus far and now it’s time for us as a cat-loving community to step up and help support. Aisha's sister called Henna has set up a Go Fund Me page titled ‘Feline Friends International’ https://www.gofundme.com/f/4jjs4d-feline-friends-international so please visit the page, read what they’re doing, and donate. Every little donation helps, so please help to save a cat's life today. We have set up a special PRIZE GIVEAWAY in this episode. To win listen out for the special code word in this episode and email us at michelle@chattycatscare.co.uk for a chance to win. If you want to follow Aisha’s adorable cats Xena and Phinny you can find them on Instagram @xena_and_phinny. If you would like to support Feline Friends International you can find them on Instagram @felinefriendsinternational or email felinefriendsinternational@gmail.com
HERE ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS EPISODE:
How it all started, feeding and rescuing street cats in Abu Dhabi.
Feeding cats abroad
What improvements could be made in the UAE for cats?
EXPATS abandoning cats abroad
What services are available for bringing a pet home from abroad
Rehoming and relocating fostered or adopted cats
Rescue programs and veterinary care in the UAE
How to support Feline Friends International via Go Fund Me page
Hopes for the future of Feline Friends International
Cats of Reem Island
Arabian Mau’s Xena and Phinny, Aisha’s adopted kitties
How cats can aid your well-being
Advice about rescuing and adopting cats
Follow Aisha’s Cats and Feline Friends International on Instagram @Xena_and_Phinny @Reemislandcats
