Feline Friends to raise funds with a Kitten Ball

Dubai: Cat re-homing organisation Feline Friends will be hosting its annual Kitten Ball to raise funds for the cause, on October 29.

All proceeds from the event will go towards the ongoing work of Feline Friends Dubai, which includes re-homing cats and kittens and its trap, neuter, release programme for street cats.

The organisation is hoping to raise Dh70,000 this year.

"Feline Friends' vet bills each month reach Dh35,000, so the money would certainly cover two months of vet bills, which would be a massive help," Jennie Bishop, organiser, said.

"Additionally, Feline Friends needs to buy a new van too currently, so that we can continue with trapping [Trap, Neuter, Release programme] and also to assist injury and help rescues across Dubai.

"The van we have now is on its very last legs currently," she said.

According to Feline Friends Chairperson, Lesley Muncey, sterilisation is the most important thing for people to take responsibility for, to keep the cat population down.

"If you think about the statistics, it's shocking. One breeding mum in five years can be responsible for 25,000 offpsring. This is why Feline Friends is running a campaign to encourage responsible pet ownership — not just cats," she said, "because there are thousands of animals dumped every year."

Muncey cares herself for many cats in her own home. She's currently caring for 10 kittens of various ages, four of which were found abandoned in a cardboard box by a building.

Pet food manufacturer Royal Canin is co-hosting the event and will be donating a 1 kilo bag of cat food to Feline Friends for each ticket sold.

Tickets are priced at Dh450, which includes a three-course dinner, unlimited selected beverages from 7-11.30pm (drinks can be purchased after this until 2am).

Prizes in a raffle and silent auction can be won on the night and DJ Sister Rock will be entertaining guests with hits from the 60s-today's popular dance tracks.

Bookings are now being taken. Tickets are also available at various book sales and adopt-a-cat days.

Fact file:

What: Feline Friends Kitten Ball
When: October 29, from 7pm
Where: Dusit Thani Hotel, Shaikh Zayed Road
Dress: Black Tie
Price: Dh450Contact: ffdubaievents@gmail.com

Adopt-a-cat day will be held today

Open day: The next adopt a cat day will be today, at the Desert Veterinary Clinic from 1-4pm. For more details, log on to: www.felinefriendsdubai.com
Feline Friends enquiry line: 050 451 0058