War and conflict makes people do things they don’t like. In some cases, and it’s not the best solution, loved pets are abandoned when people need to vacate a country or region due to conflict and war. When Israel disengaged from Gaza 20 years ago, a large number of pets were left behind. Same is true now in Dubai, where influencers have left dogs and cats to fend for themselves. Iranian missiles are targeting the UAE and people are trying to leave. It’s difficult getting out with pets, so they remain.

The city of Dubai has taken a step to protect the pets and have created a smart feeding station for cats. While it’s cold and not excessively dry in the UAE right now, cities like Dubai are not know for their cat street culture, unlike Istanbul and Tel Aviv.

According to municipality rules in Dubai is not permitted to feed stray animals, with fines of around AED 500 given for unauthorized feeding in public or residential areas to manage population and hygiene.

Instead, Dubai Municipality has set up 12 AI-powered “Ehsan Stations” to safely and officially feed strays. The city also officially supports Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs. 

Dr. Naseem Mohammed Rafee, Acting CEO of the Environment, Health and Safety Agency at Dubai Municipality, said: “The launch of ‘Ehsan Stations’ for feeding stray animals, including cats and others, reflects Dubai Municipality’s commitment to promoting humane and civilised values across the emirate, foremost among them compassion and animal welfare.

“The initiative also supports efforts to preserve ecological balance and advance sustainable practices that reinforce Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most attractive, progressive, and liveable cities.

“Through these stations, Dubai Municipality is introducing an innovative approach that  combines provision of food with more effective management of stray animal populations, while also addressing random feeding practices that can lead to environmental, health, and community-related challenges.”

Now what about the dogs being abandoned? And can the owners be found and fined? You can file a report through this link.

The post Dubai sets up smart feeding stations for abandoned cats appeared first on Green Prophet.

With sustainability quite rightly taking center stage worldwide, different industries have to rethink their environmental impact and what their sectors might look like in 10 or 20 years. Veterinary medicine is one such industry. From waste reduction to energy-efficient medical equipment, animal healthcare is embracing greener solutions that benefit the planet and improve patient outcomes. Let’s take a look. 

The Role of Digital Imaging in Reducing Waste

One of the most significant leaps forward in veterinary care has come with X-ray methods. As with human medicine, vets can now take advantage of digital and often portable X-ray machines. Modern veterinary X-ray machine technology eliminates the need for film, reduces radiation exposure, and delivers faster, high-quality results for accurate diagnoses. Additionally, digital records minimize paper waste, making veterinary clinics more environmentally friendly.

To further improve efficiency, many clinics now use PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) to manage and store digital images. This system allows veterinarians to access X-rays from any device, share them instantly with specialists, and maintain a secure archive without relying on physical storage. Cloud-based solutions such as Studycast veterinary PACS make the process even more seamless, giving clinics the ability to reduce costs, streamline workflows, and support more sustainable practices.”

Eco-Friendly Innovations in Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary medicine has changed dramatically in the last couple of decades. Once the frequently underappreciated younger sibling of human medicine, animal care has seen some astonishing technological breakthroughs. Yet traditional veterinary practices still often rely on disposable materials, energy-intensive procedures, and chemical-based treatments—but things are changing.  

Veterinary hospitals are being constructed with energy-efficient insulation, solar panels, and natural lighting to reduce electricity use. Biodegradable or recyclable pet care products, including compostable bandages and eco-friendly cleaning solutions, are quickly becoming the norm and medication disposal methods are helping to lower the impact of pharmaceutical waste on water systems.

Minimizing the Carbon Pawprint

The food we eat is under the spotlight—but so is what we feed our pets and the animals that go into our food system. While cost has long been at the forefront of people’s minds, the environmental impact and whether eco-friendly alternatives are available are now major considerations.  Ethically sourced, plant-based, or insect-based pet food options are reducing the carbon footprint of animal diets. Collars, leashes, and pet beds made from recycled or biodegradable materials are replacing synthetic options, and shampoos, conditioners, and pet wipes free of harsh chemicals and packaged in biodegradable containers are gaining popularity.

Advancing Wildlife and Conservation Efforts

And it’s not just about pets, cows, and sheep; we need to think much wider. Many endangered species rely on veterinary intervention for survival, and incorporating eco-friendly medical practices helps minimize human impact on fragile ecosystems. Veterinarians working in the field are developing non-invasive diagnostic tools and remote monitoring systems to reduce the need for human intervention while still providing life-saving care to animals in their natural habitats.

A Greener Future for Veterinary Medicine

Technology is advancing at a dizzying rate, and so is the opportunity to integrate sustainability into every aspect of veterinary care. From cutting-edge digital tools to greener clinic operations, the shift toward environmentally responsible animal healthcare is no longer a luxury. With the planet’s health at stake, we need to examine every industry, product, and system in place. Are we doing enough? Veterinary care is already a transformed industry, but as with every other, major changes are still to come.   

The post The Future of Sustainable Veterinary Care appeared first on Green Prophet.

Pet shelters in the United Arab Emirates are noticing a worrying trend. As soon as the temperatures soar in the summer months, more pets are being abandoned. According to a local paper, the Kaleej Times, local UAE families escape the heat which can exceed 40C daily by going abroad for long vacations.

Some pet owners give their animals to the care of clinics or shelters before their trips, local pet care experts reveal, while others go as far as abandoning them on the streets. Last winter 140 cats were found dumped in the desert outside of Abu Dhabi.

The animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is offering a $5,000 reward for information on “whoever dumped these cats in the desert,” said. PETA Asia Vice-President Jason Baker: “This act of cruelty must not be swept under the rug … The solution to the homeless-animal crisis is spaying and neutering and adopting from overworked and understaffed shelters, which PETA Asia has been asking the UAE to require for years,” Baker said.

Souheil Abdulla, managing partner at Pure Life Veterinarian Treatment told the Kaleej Times: “When people travel, they unfortunately abandon their pets. They mostly do it to cats because they’re easier to dispose.”

He added that such behavior “showed a lack of responsibility”. The expert said that it’s sad how some people consider pets or cats as accessories to their lives, instead of part of their family.

While wild pets wandering the streets of Abu Dhabi are less common than in 2011 (wild pet ownership is now banned), climate change will be creating more displaced pets and people as some parts of the world become intolerable for supporting life. Bahrain has started a mid-day work ban for foreign workers and construction workers to protect them from the ravaging health effects of the heat.

Related: Cruel cat woman deported from the UAE

But who is protecting the animals? If you are in the UAE and want to know more about animal abandonment due to climate change, contact the RAK Animal Welfare Centre. The shelter is supported by the government of Ras Al Khaimah and opened in 2010 rehomes socialised, trained, and healthy dogs.

If you want to help with cats, The Sharjah Cats and Dogs Shelter is a non-profit that rescues abandoned pets and finds them homes. It has a physical location on Airport Road in Muzairah and is open to walk-in visitors from Monday to Thursday, 8am to 3pm and Sunday 2pm to 6pm. It is closed on Fridays and Saturdays. All pets are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

Back in 2015 The National said it’s common every summer in the UAE and that some shelters see pets handed in daily by locals who are traveling abroad for the summer and who do not want to ay expensive boarding fees. Some are leaving the UAE for good and don’t want to relocate with their cats and dogs. The trend starts in April when it starts to heat up.

The post Pets abandoned as people flee climate change appeared first on Green Prophet.

Imagine waking up every morning with a familiar ache in your joints, the kind that makes getting out of bed an accomplishment in itself. For many people with chronic illnesses like arthritis and diabetes, this is a daily reality. The search for comfort, companionship, and even a sense of purpose becomes paramount. This is where our feline friends come in, offering more than just purrs and headbutts.

The Healing Power of Purrs

Cats have long been cherished for their independent yet affectionate nature. They weave themselves into our lives with a grace that seems almost magical. But beyond their enchanting presence, there’s a tangible benefit to having a cat around when managing chronic illnesses.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety

One of the primary ways cats help manage chronic conditions is by reducing stress and anxiety. Their calm demeanor and rhythmic purring can have a soothing effect on our nervous system. Scientific studies have shown that the frequency of a cat’s purr, which ranges between 20-140 Hz, can promote healing and reduce stress. For someone with arthritis, where stress can exacerbate symptoms, this can be incredibly beneficial.

Lowering Blood Pressure

Interacting with a cat can also lead to lower blood pressure. The simple act of petting a cat releases oxytocin, a hormone associated with love and bonding. This helps to reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, and lower blood pressure. For diabetics, managing stress levels is crucial, as stress can affect blood sugar levels.

Encouraging Physical Activity

While cats are known for their love of lounging, they also encourage physical activity in their owners. Playing with a cat, even in short bursts, can be a gentle way to keep moving without overexertion. This is particularly helpful for arthritis sufferers who need to maintain joint flexibility without causing further pain.

Companionship and Routine

Chronic illnesses often come with a sense of isolation and loneliness. Cats, with their independent yet loving nature, provide consistent companionship. Their need for routine – regular feeding times, play sessions, and grooming – helps establish a daily rhythm for their owners. This routine can be grounding and provide a sense of purpose, especially on days when the weight of illness feels overwhelming.

Specific Benefits for Arthritis Sufferers

Arthritis, a condition characterized by inflammation and pain in the joints, can make daily tasks feel insurmountable. The presence of a cat can ease some of these challenges in unique ways.

Warmth and Comfort

Cats are natural heat sources. They love to curl up in warm spots, and their body heat can provide comfort to aching joints. This natural warmth can act like a heating pad, easing stiffness and pain. Imagine a cozy evening with a purring cat nestled on your lap, their warmth seeping into your joints, bringing a gentle relief from the day’s discomfort.

Encouraging Movement

As mentioned earlier, gentle play with a cat can encourage movement. Even simple activities like dangling a toy for your cat or encouraging them to chase a laser pointer can get you moving. This kind of light exercise is crucial for maintaining joint health and flexibility without the risk of overdoing it.

Specific Benefits for Diabetics

Managing diabetes involves careful attention to diet, exercise, and stress levels. Cats can assist in this multifaceted approach to health management.

Emotional Support

The emotional support provided by cats can’t be overstated. The presence of a loving pet can alleviate feelings of depression and anxiety, common in individuals managing chronic illnesses. This emotional stability is crucial for maintaining consistent routines and sticking to dietary and exercise plans.

Encouraging Routine

Cats thrive on routine, and their need for regular feeding times can help diabetics maintain a consistent schedule for their own meals and medication. This regularity is vital in managing blood sugar levels effectively. A cat’s insistence on being fed at the same time every day can serve as a gentle reminder for owners to take care of their own nutritional needs.

Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle

Cats, by their very nature, encourage a lifestyle that can be beneficial for diabetics. The need for daily care, grooming, and interaction promotes a sense of responsibility and routine. Additionally, the calming presence of a cat can help mitigate the effects of stress on blood sugar levels.

Choosing the Right Cat

When considering a cat to help manage a chronic illness, it’s important to choose a breed that matches your lifestyle and needs. Some cat breeds are known for their particularly affectionate and calm nature, which can be especially beneficial.

Cat Breeds

1. Ragdolls: Known for their docile and affectionate nature, Ragdolls are excellent companions for those seeking a calm and loving pet. Their gentle demeanor and tendency to go limp when held can be incredibly soothing.
2. Maine Coons: These gentle giants are known for their friendly and sociable nature. They are good with children and other pets, making them great for a household seeking an interactive and affectionate cat.
3. British Shorthairs: With their easygoing nature, British Shorthairs are ideal for those who prefer a low-maintenance yet affectionate pet. They are known for being loyal and calm, making them perfect companions.
4. Sphynx: Despite their unusual appearance, Sphynx cats are known for their warmth and affectionate nature. They crave human attention and can provide significant emotional support.
5. Scottish Folds: Known for their unique folded ears and sweet disposition, Scottish Folds are loving and adaptable. They can be particularly comforting to have around due to their friendly nature.

Conclusion

The bond between humans and cats is a testament to the healing power of companionship. For those managing chronic illnesses like arthritis and diabetes, the presence of a cat can offer comfort, reduce stress, and promote a healthier lifestyle. The rhythmic purrs, the gentle nudges, and the consistent routine a cat brings can make a world of difference in the daily management of these conditions. So, if you’re considering a feline friend, remember that they offer more than just companionship – they bring a sense of calm, warmth, and a daily reminder that you are not alone in your journey.

The post Cats and Chronic Illness: How Felines Can Help Manage Conditions like Arthritis and Diabetes appeared first on Green Prophet.

A California woman riffed off that old saw of “turning a sow’s ear into a silk purse” when she chose to rebound from a difficult divorce by uprooting to a quiet new home near a tranquil river. She settled on a 6 acre parcel in 1983, where she often mused, “What am I thinking, single woman with no children living in a big house on 6 acres?” The universe soon provided her with the answer. More accurately, with hundreds of furry answers.

A few years into her new address, Lynea Lattanzio‘s father asked her to help replace his two Manx cats who had died of old age. She visited a local animal shelter, and carried home a box of 15 abandoned kittens (none of them Manx!). She was transformed by the experience,and within a year, she rescued and placed 96 homeless cats. Lattanzio had found her calling, and the rest, as they say, is history.

In 1993, she emerged from retirement to train as a surgical veterinary technician, increasing her medical knowledge, and helping to pay for expenses of her growing feline population, which now numbered 150. She next sold her beloved 1973 Mercedes 450SL and her two-carat diamond wedding ring. As explained on her website, these had no place in her newfound life.

In 1997, the Fresno County Board approved a zoning variance for her homestead, now named The Cat House on Kings, allowing it to openly promote itself, attracting new volunteers and needed financial support.

In 2001 her organization achieved non-profit status and – despite receiving no government or public funding – continued to expand, by 2004 its population numbered over 500 animals. A generous donor bequeathed her estate to The Cat House which enabled purchase of six neighboring acres and installation of cat-proof fencing around the entire 12-acre perimeter.

Since its founding 26 years ago, The Cat House on the Kings has saved over 30,000 cats and 7,100 dogs (not counting the 56,000 animals it has spayed and neutered) and currently cares for more than 700 cats and kittens, a dozen dogs and dozens of peacocks.

Lattanzio’s facility is California’s largest no-cage, no-kill, lifetime cat sanctuary and adoption center. It offers a variety of services including advice and education, adoption, and low-cost neutering.

Its mission is to place rescued animals into loving, permanent homes; to provide a safe, happy and healthy home for unwanted cats and kittens in a unique, no-cage facility; to prevent pet overpopulation through spaying and neutering; and to educate the public about responsible pet ownership.

The post Meet the real Catwoman and her mission to protect California’s strays appeared first on Green Prophet.

An Abu Dhabi court has ordered the deportation of a woman who kept 40 cats in a crammed room in her private villa. 

Area residents had reported her to authorities after noticing foul odors coming out of her villa, which was also infested with flies. Abu Dhabi Police found 40 cats in her home, all malnourished and in poor health. One cats was found dead. “The cats were found crammed in a small place and in a manner that would not allow them to move freely.

“The place was also dirty with cat feces scattered everywhere,” said authorities. Subsequent medical examination showed that the cats suffered from fever, had intestinal worms and skin rashes that required urgent treatment.

Officials stated that the Arab woman had been rounding up cats and keeping them in her villa. She would then sell them to people without having a commercial permit. She was detained, and ordered to pay a fine for mistreating the pets and “denying them freedom”. Prosecutors also ordered that all the cats be transferred to the Emirates Wildlife Center for proper treatment and care.

The woman denied mistreating the cats, saying that raising and selling them was her hobby and that she has been keeping pets for over 40 years. She told the court that she loved pets and that she only gathered them so she could take good care of them and provide them with food.

The Abu Dhabi Appeal Court, however, found her guilty on all charges.  She was fined and ordered to be deported from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

According to UAE law on domestic animals, anyone who harms, mistreats pets, denies them food and healthcare or keeps them in a poor environment that can harm them or restrict their free movement and other related violations, faces a penalty including an imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year and/or a fine of not more than USD $55.  And then there’s the risk of deportation.

Kudos to the situationally-aware neighbors who phoned this in to the police.

The post Cruel Cat Woman deported from Abu Dhabi appeared first on Green Prophet.

Research by Jessica Gall Myrick, an assistant professor at Indiana University Media School, has found that viewing cat videos boosts people’s energy and positive emotions and decreases negative feelings. Her project involved surveying nearly 7,000 people via social media about their cat video viewing habits and related moods. 

The post Researchers say we can’t ignore Internet cats anymore! appeared first on Green Prophet.

Life on the streets has never been easy for stray animals, especially in the Middle East where animals are often targets. There are stray dogs that get shot dead in Lebanon and stray dogs that kicked around in Jordan. In my Netanya, Israel suburb of Ramat Poleg, stray or street cats are so commonplace that most residents now take them for granted. One of these animals, a black and white cat I have named Piddy Poo or Pudi, recently turned 13.

Reaching this age, which in human terms is around 90, is a milestone for any cat, whether stray or owned. Not only has she reached this advanced age, she has done so under difficult circumstances; and has managed to give birth to and raise numerous litters of kittens.

She has had some human assistance, of course, as several area residents, including me, have fed her along with other area cats.

This alone has enabled her to actually outlive several of her children who have since died from disease, being run over by cars and other events. I have been feeding her almost from the beginning, and her tenaciousness as well as probably some strokes of good luck have enabled her to live so long.

Pudi was “fixed” a few years back, which has prevented her from having any more litters. There is no national program to do this and having street cats spayed or neutered has been on an individual basis only; usually done by concerned veterinarians who charge little or nothing for their services. Some cities in Israel, like in Tel Aviv, will do this for free if you call them.

Some regional countries have embarked on more ambitious programs to deal with the problem of stray animals. This has included the UAE’s city of Abu Dhabi, which embarked on a program a couple of years back to “neuter and chip 5,000 stray cats and dogs.”

Other countries, including Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon haven’t been so kind to their abandoned and feral street animals however. There are concerned people living in various Middle East countries who are trying to educate people to be more kind to strays as well as to their own pets.

In Jordan, a petition is being circulated to persuade the government to be more involved in stopping the brutal killing of their stray animal populations. These programs are only a very small beginning, however, as stray as well as kept animals are abused and killed on a daily basis. Israel fares only marginally better as stray dogs and cats are frequently poisoned or rounded up to be “put to sleep” later. Israel’s stray animal shelters are almost always filled to over capacity with precious few animals actually “adopted” into homes.

As for Pudi, she continues to wait for me every day for whatever kibbles I can bring her. The fact she has lived this long is an indication that she adheres to the old adage of survival of the fittest.

Read more about pet and stray animals:

Act Now to Help Jordan Learn to Befriend Man’s Best Friend
Abu Dhabi Neuters and Chips 5,000 Stray cats and Dogs
Stray Dogs Shot Dead in Lebanon
Japanese Risk All to Save Nuclear Zone Strays

The post My Israeli Street Cat Turns 13 – That’s Stray Longevity! appeared first on Green Prophet.

During certain periods of ancient Egyptian history it was illegal to kill cats, any cats. The punishment for said infraction? Death. Cats were considered so sacred that only the Pharaoh was permitted to own them. Now, not only do sickly stray cats slink through the capital, but the country is facing widespread extinction of its wild felines. Of the ten wild cat species present in Africa, six once roamed Egypt. Just how many wild cats still exist is difficult to determine because the animals are so elusive, but experts claim that not only is it crucial to biodiversity to map and protect remaining populations, but to eco-tourism.

Almasry Alyoum reports that The Jungle/Swamp Cat, the Wild Cat, Sand Cat, Caracal, Cheetah and Leopard at one time existed in Egypt. The cheetah went extinct in the 1980s while the leopard is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Wael Shohdi, the coordinator for Nature Conservation Egypt, says the Swamp Cat is among the most important species to protect given that they are native to the country. They also adapt well to a changing environment. They can be found cruising through the cane fields and agricultural lands of Fayoum and Wadi Rayas.

The challenge is mapping them, because they elude researchers. But doing so is essential to protecting them as their populations are threatened by hunting, habitat destruction, and land reclamation in desert areas, the paper reports.

British naturalist and author of a field guide to Egyptian mammals, Richard Hoath warns that while cat species are threatened worldwide, Egyptian cats face a particular set problems.

Interbreeding is common among domestic cats, which dilutes the unique gene pool, spreads disease, and drives up competition for food resources. The desert species, meanwhile, do not adapt well to climate change.

Another sinister problem in Egypt is trapping: not far from the famous Giza pyramids, in Abu Ravash, wild cats often get in traps set for foxes and jackals. And illegal hunting, trade, and agriculture wipe out indigenous populations.

If biodiversity is not a compelling enough reason to protect existing species, Hoath points out that eco-tourism provides an increasingly valuable boost to Egypt’s economy, and wild cats are an important draw given their role in ancient Egyptian culture.

:: Almasry Alyoum

More on wildlife conservation in the Middle East:

Nature Iraq’s Conservation in a Combat Zone

Jordan Combines Conservation and Tourism

Two Women Cycle The Silk Road for Transboundary Conservation

image via indywriter

The post Stay The Extinction Of Egypt’s Sacred Cats appeared first on Green Prophet.

Nature can point us in the right green direction. Maurice learns about human nature from his cat.

I’m sure many Green Prophet readers enjoyed Jack Reichert’s recent picture story: 11Things I Learned From My Dog. He showed us how we can learn a lot about life by observing how man’s best friend relates to us as human. I decided to write a follow-up piece on how people relate to another very popular, yet often misunderstood human companion, Felis Catus or the common domestic house cat.

Many people consider cats to be the opposite of dogs, especially in their relationship (or even non-relationship) to humans. I’ve lived with several cats during my life, and have had relationships with numerous others, including what many people refer to as street or alley cats, which are quite numerous where I live in Israel. Cats also have had a bad break historically, and have been considered as symbols of bad luck and harbingers of evil – even being associated with the devil and witches (especially in the case of black cats).

So in order to present a counterpoint to dog fanciers, I’ve decided to write this article so that cats can also have their place in the sun in-so-far as their relationship to people.

Image Credit: photoslevi

The post 12 Things I've Learned About Human Nature From My Cats (Slideshow) appeared first on Green Prophet.