I have lived in the region for the past 19 years and have been a tireless advocate of animal welfare, as well as an environmentalist.
When I realised that the indigenous cat population was being endangered due to various reasons, I started to gather groups of stray cats in 2005. I informed the World Cat Federation (WCF) about this unique cat with markings I had not seen before and distinctive features such as long ears, legs and tail, and oval-shaped eyes.
I was asked to conduct a five generation breeding test and submit proof of the breed to the WCF General Assembly to have these cats recognised as an original breed. In November 2007, the WCF judges personally examined 18 of my Arabian Mau cats of different colour and age and found them to be original. The Arabian Mau was thus approved as an International Breed by the WCF in August 2008, in Essen, Germany.
Since then, Arabian Mau cats have become entitled to participate in International Cat Shows and have won various titles and prizes in shows held in Dubai. They are also entitled to be "papered" cats, meaning whoever owns an Arabian Mau can register their cat with the Middle East Cat Society (Mecats), a non-profit organisation I founded in 2005.
The mission of the organisation is to stop uncontrolled breeding, to make sure breeders follow the rules and regulations of the WCF, to promote awareness about cats in schools and to officially register the Arabian Mau.
I take care of the Arabian Mau like my family members and currently have around 80 cats in my home. Each is given a name, routine check-ups, put on a special diet and loved unconditionally.
Hip surgery
However, this job isn't easy for me to do anymore, as in 2008, I had a bilateral hip operation and now my back is being affected due to osteoporosis.
But I continue doing it because I want to show people how important animals are in our lives. Cats are also one of man's best friends.
All my cats are pedigree pets and up for adoption. I am seeking help from the public to give each and every one of them a loving home.
Also, I want people to know they could consider taking in cats that would otherwise be on the street, instead of purchasing them. Currently Mecats is covering all expenses, but donations are welcome and assistance is greatly appreciated in any form.
For more information about Arabian Mau cats available for adoption, please contact me at mecats@gmail.com.
Ancestry: Natural breed
The Arabian Mau is a natural breed which is believed to have been roaming around the Arabian Peninsula for more than 1,000 years. Traditionally their coat colouring is pure white, black and white, tabby brown with dark stripes on the back, a lighter brownish-coloured stomach, tabby ginger, tabby grey with black stripes or just black.
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— The reader is the founder of Mecats, based in Dubai.
