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She was born on June, 2013, and was picked up on the streets of Dubai. She is a calm cat, who is happy to play or sit in the sunshine. Image Credit: Supplied

This November marks the six-year anniversary of our cat coming to live with us. In 2007, my husband and I took a trip to our local rescue centre, looking for a fury friend to complete our home. We came back with Kip, a two to three year-old male, weighing a huge 5kilos. With his stunning grey coat, fluffy paws and ears, it was love at first sight!

When we first brought him home, he was initially nervous and terrified of every thing. In fact, at one point, we thought that maybe we weren’t the right forever home for him. However, it has been six years now, and with a lot of love and silliness, I look back at just how far we’ve come.

In return for his favourite food and a comfy spot on the bed, he lovingly greets us at the door every night. If either of us are sick or feeling sad, duty calls and Kip takes position at our side and simply won’t leave until we’re better. But he is also crafty, nosey, demanding and a total attention seeker!

An old man now, he’s typically fussy, grumpy and nonchalant, not the playful, energetic puss he was six years ago. But he’s also loyal, gentle and affectionate. Because of Kip, I now volunteer for Feline Friends Dubai. When we moved here 18 months ago, I noticed just how many cats needed a second chance, so I wanted to offer help where I could. He has a habit of getting under your feet and being right where you need to be, especially when it comes to sharing the sofa!

Each month, Feline Friends Dubai hold an Adoption Event, giving people the opportunity to meet a number of cats and kittens, and hopefully, find the right one for them. All cats are seen previously by a vet, are vaccinated, fitted with a microchip and if they’re old enough, they’re spayed or neutered.

 

The reader volunteers for Feline Friend Dubai.

 

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