BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
It started with one cat, a curious colleague, and a handful of strays outside a school in Al Bateen. That instinct to help has since grown into Cat Lovers Abu Dhabi, a community-led initiative building a network of clean, organised feeding stations for stray cats in the emirate.
The idea began when Dima Kassouah — co-founder of the group — welcomed a cat into her home and turned to her colleague, Raghad Mohamed, for advice. Mohamed, a school librarian at Bateen World Academy, had long been feeding the cats she found each morning around campus.
"As we became more involved, we realised that many other people wanted to help cats too, but they did not know how," Mohamed, the other founder of Cat Lovers Abu Dhabi, told Aletihad.
The duo met with a cat rescuer, who introduced them to responsible community cat care and also donated one of their first feeding stations, which was installed behind the school.
From there, the effort grew organically. Neighbours already feeding cats joined in, while friends, family, and even the school's housekeeping and security staff helped fund and maintain additional stations.
The turning point came with an Instagram page. Within a week of launching it, the founders had connected with nearly 20 volunteers across Abu Dhabi.
"Today, our role is often to connect people with the right resources, share best practices, and help communities establish clean and responsible feeding stations of their own," Kassouah said.
Four stations are currently active in Al Bateen, with 18 more planned across Al Reem Island, Al Falah, Khalifa City, and other communities where residents have expressed interest.
The impact, the founders say, is visible. "For the cats, the stations provide consistent access to clean food and fresh water. We noticed less competition and fighting between the cats... because food is available in a more organised way," Mohamed said, adding that public spaces are cleaner too, since food is no longer left out in disposable containers.
For Kassouah, the “most touching impact” has been the response of people who are willing to contribute. “Residents feel proud to be part of something positive and compassionate.”
Support doesn't require fostering or adoption. "Something as simple as refilling a water bowl, placing ice in the water during summer, or donating a bag of cat kibble can make a significant difference," Kassouah said. Some residents sponsor stations outright, while others volunteer upkeep.
“Community cats cannot speak for themselves, but they rely on us for the basics, clean food, fresh water and safe places to rest. We all share this beautiful city, and even small acts of kindness can greatly improve the lives of these animals,” Kassouah said.
The founders are hoping to expand the initiative across the emirate. “We also hope to support initiatives that provide shaded cooling areas and shelters during the hotter months,” they added.
Kassouah highlighted that education is also a major part of their vision, as they aim to raise awareness among children and adults about compassion, responsible animal care, and coexistence with community animals.
"Abu Dhabi is already one of the safest and most welcoming cities in the world," she said. "We hope to contribute to making it one of the most pet-friendly cities as well."
The founders believe public interest in community-led animal welfare is growing significantly. “One of the most surprising things we discovered after launching our Instagram page was just how many people were already helping animals in their own neighborhoods,” Kassouah said.
The duo has witnessed firsthand how animal welfare transcends differences. “Compassion is a universal language, and it has been inspiring to see how many people are willing to contribute when they are given the opportunity and the right guidance,” Mohamed said.
Cat Lovers Abu Dhabi has drawn support from residents like Lubab Harb, who began donating after adopting her own kitten. "I think it is our job as a community to support all creatures around us," she said, adding that reaching rescuers on social media was easier than expected. "They were responsive, collaborative, and gave me all the options that could help me participate."
Asked what motivates her to continue supporting the initiative, Harb said the answer is simple: “Because of my little cat, I have seen how helpless they become when they are not feeling well or struggling. It genuinely breaks my heart, so if I can be a reason to help, I will be the first to participate right away.”