As a solution to the problem of stray cats, RAK Animal Welfare Centre (Rak AWC) is proud to bring the Cat Plan to hotels, restaurants, malls and airports in Ras Al Khaimah.
The concept was developed by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), to humanely address the problem of feral cat populations gathering around resorts and industries.
The Cat Plan is a designated feeding area for stray cats, which attracts them to a carefully-selected location to aid in avoiding conflict with people and guests.
It is supported by a cat care and control program by RAK AWC where we vaccinate and neuter healthy cats.
Studies and experience have shown that simply removing cats does not solve problems a business might have with stray cats. As long as the source of food, water and shelter remains available, others will soon take the place of the cats removed. These are eliminated in turn and it becomes a neverending cycle.
However, if a stable colony of sterilised cats, who have been medically attended to, is permitted to stay on the premises, it will prevent newcomers from moving in and also keep rodents at bay.
The process includes trapping cats to be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and be given parasite medication, which results in a healthy and non-reproductive cat population. We also build Cat Shelters, which provide a feeding area on the business’ grounds away from the kitchen, restaurants, and guest areas. There is also consistent nutritious feeding of cats at scheduled times so they will learn to come to the Cat Shelter for food and purified water instead of seeking food from guests and staff.
The Cat Plan has proven successful in a number of countries worldwide.
The reader is the office manager for the Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre.
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