Adopting a cat is a big decision, and it’s not just about taking home a new pet. While it does offer a rescued cat a new home, it’s more about knowing if you’re ready to handle the responsibilities of pet ownership.
Key Takeaways
Cat adoption is the process of taking home a rescued cat from shelters and animal welfare organizations.
The process includes choosing the rescue group, submitting an application, meeting the cats, completing the screening process, and paying the fee.
Adoption refers to full ownership, while fostering means taking care of a cat temporarily until it is adopted.
Why Adopt a Cat?
Adopting a cat means giving these rescued animals a second chance at a loving home. It also helps support rescue and rehoming efforts, reduces the number of homeless cats, and gives you a close companion.
When you find a cat that matches your lifestyle, you get a loving new member of the family.
How to Know if You’re Ready to Adopt?
You’re ready to welcome a new member of the family if your living situation, finances, mindset, and lifestyle can support it. Here are a few indicators our veterinarians emphasize:
Adopt If | Don’t Adopt If |
|---|---|
Your home can have cats | Your home doesn’t allow cats |
Your family is comfortable with cats | Someone at the house doesn’t want a cat |
You can support medical, nutritional, and emergency needs | You cannot afford basic needs or medical care |
You can provide a safe, indoor space | Your house is open and provides escape routes |
You are ready to clean litter boxes and brush your cat regularly | You aren’t comfortable with cleaning waste or grooming cats |
You are patient during the adjustment period | You expect the cat to be comfortable and obedient right away |
These are common indicators to look for if you’re planning to adopt a cat. When you have these in order, you, your family, and your home will be ready to house a new family member.
Where to Adopt a Cat or Kitten in Dubai?
Contact us to help you reach our partner organizations. Below are the animal shelter and rescue organizations our veterinarians trust:
Nine Lives
A volunteer-driven organization focused on cat adoption and foster care. They carefully screen potential owners and help rescued cats find permanent homes.
The Cat Cafe
A cat cafe that also serves as an adoption center. They help rescued cats interact with people at the cafe, helping entice interested adopters.
Animal Rescue UAE Adoption
A nonprofit organization that facilitates cat adoption in Dubai through a strong social media presence.
38 Smiles
Another nonprofit rescue organization that has been helping stray cats since 2011, providing them with medical care and new homes.
Yanni Animal Welfare
Yanni Animal Welfare emphasizes the importance of cat care and education, streamlining the adoption process for new owners.
Waggy Bond
A social platform that supports the efforts of shelters and rescue groups in Dubai by pairing them with potential adopters.
Mau and Me
A rescue and rehoming group that also offers sitting services. They have rehomed over 250 cats.
The Dubai Cat Sitting Company
A cat sitting and care service that also supports adoption by connecting lost and rescued felines with loving families.
Cat Cafe Vibrissae
Cat Cafe Vibrissae is a cozy cafe that allows its rescued cats to meet and connect with customers, helping build socialization skills.
Meow Meow Rescue
A volunteer group dedicated to helping cats find proper homes. They emphasize a Trap-Neuter-Release program for stray cats.
How Does the Cat Adoption Process Work?
It starts by choosing a trusted rescue group and submitting an application. Throughout the application, you’ll meet available cats, have a trial period, and complete the screening process. When everything’s finished, you’ll pay the adoption fee and sign documents.
Are There Legal Requirements for Adopting a Cat?
Your newly adopted cat must be vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed, and registered with the Dubai Municipality under your details. The essential vaccines are rabies and FVRCP, while a standard 15-digit microchip will be required for identification.
Adopted cats must be registered within 1-2 days and require your Emirates ID, contact information, address, and proof of residency. This must be renewed annually and updated as required.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Cat in Dubai?
Cat adoption generally costs about AED 500 to AED 1,500. The cost is a contribution that covers the essential veterinary services provided by the rescue group. Adoption fees may vary depending on the inclusion/exclusion of:
Vaccinations
Deworming treatments
Food and shelter
Accessories
Is Adopting a Cat the Same as Fostering?
Adoption refers to full ownership, while fostering involves caring for the cat until it is adopted. Here’s a quick overview:
Adopting a Cat | Fostering a Cat |
|---|---|
Permanent Ownership | Temporary Ownership |
Long-term commitment | Short-term commitment |
You pay for basic needs, veterinary care, and other costs | The shelter pays for the veterinary care, equipment, and some food/supplies. |
You are responsible for registration, daily care, and planning | You are responsible for temporary care, support, and socialization |
Best for pet owners ready to own a cat | Best for people who want to help or try owning a cat |
Tips on Caring for an Adopted Cat
If it’s your first time taking home a kitten or a rescued cat, follow these tips from our veterinarians:
Set up a quiet room
Give them time to adjust
Keep food and litter consistent
Introduce new things slowly
Be patient
Spend time with them
Let them explore when ready
Watch out for them
The 3-3-3 Rule for Adopted Cats
Cats need time to adjust, so give them the space to do so. A good rule of thumb is the 3-3-3 rule: 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to learn and adjust, and 3 months to start to feel at home.
3 Days | 3 Weeks | 3 Months |
|---|---|---|
Cats may
| Cats may
| Cats may
|
“Every single cat deserves a chance for a loving home.”
- Dr. Nenad Misura
Cats deserve our love, and adopting one is one of the many ways to support rescued cats and animal welfare groups caring for them. The adoption process helps make sure you’re ready for pet ownership and that the cat is healthy and matched with the right home.
In the end, you both get a loyal and loving companion.
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