Six British Shorthair mix cats abandoned in Dubai apartment, building management and rescuers step in
Abandoned British shorthair mixes rescued after weeks alone in Dubai flat
Six cats, of British shorthair mix, have been rescued from a Dubai apartment after they were allegedly left behind for weeks, with building management discovering the animals without food or water.
The cats were found in an apartment in the Prestige Building after their tenant left the property amid legal complications, according to Abbas Ali Sait, a lease adviser.
Sait said the tenant abandoned the cats about a month ago. Around a week and a half after he left, building management obtained clearance to enter the apartment and discovered the six animals inside.
The cats had been left without access to food and water. Since their discovery, building management has been feeding them while efforts were made to find help for their care.
Dubai-based animal rescuer Maha Shah learned about the cats after seeing a video of them posted on Instagram. Concerned by their situation, she went to the apartment to check on them and arranged for the cats to be taken to a veterinarian.
“All the cats were friendly,” Shah said.
While the animals appeared approachable, their living conditions were concerning. Shah said the apartment was in a mess and had only one litter box for all six cats.
Shah and a friend have now stepped in to care for the cats while they receive veterinary attention and prepare for the next stage of their lives.
“We will get them ready for adoption locally and internationally, as well,” Shah said.
For Shah, taking in animals in need is something she and her friend regularly do, and the priority now is to ensure the six cats are healthy and ready to find permanent homes.
The case also highlights the risks faced by pets when owners leave properties without making arrangements for their care. While the cats were eventually discovered and given food, water, they were left dependent on building staff and rescuers to intervene.
Shah hopes that, once the cats have been assessed and treated, suitable adopters can be found for them, whether in the UAE or abroad.
For now, the six cats are safe and being cared for.
For more information on pet adoption centres, you can read our previous stories here.
