January 28, 2025

Is it safe to let your cat outside?

I’ve had cats in my family for as long as I can remember, and for the last 13 years, I have been living in the UAE with my two rescue cats.

I grew up in the UK, where having cats that roamed outside was normal. Our cats used to love exploring our cul-de-sac, visiting our neighbours and were often seen in the fields enjoying life. We didn’t live next to a busy road, so we felt comfortable letting our cats come and go as they pleased.

Living in Dubai, my outlook on letting my cats outdoors is very different. Some people think it’s cruel to keep cats indoors, that cats are meant to be outside, and that their life’s are unhappy if they are kept inside. However, I disagree, and these are the reasons why…

No Central Microchip Database

Unlike other countries which we may have relocated from, the UAE, to date, does not have a central microchip platform for our pets. This means that your pet’s microchip number may not be registered in other Emirates, and that your details may not show in local databases.

It is a misconception that registering your pet’s microchip number with your vet, automatically means you are registered to the relevant authority’s database. This is not true! Please ask your vet if your pet’s microchip number is registered with said authority and what you need to do if it isn’t. You can also register your pet’s details with Where My Paws At which is a nationwide app, that acts as a microchip platform and safety app that is bridging these gaps and helping to keep pets safer.

Pest Control

Currently there are over 300 pest control companies listed in Dubai alone, which can be found here. Each category requires certain certifications, however, there are many companies carrying out pest control services involving ‘trapping’ cats. This means that they can access your community if requested by your community management company, or, if someone living in your community has complained about cats. Cats are trapped and are not checked on site for a microchip. This can result in cats being taken away and, in some cases, not returned to the same community. So, we recommend your cat is wearing a collar and ID tag, if not, your cat could be at risk.

Busy Roads

There are many highways, underpasses, flyovers, service roads and community roads with varying speed limits that are not always abided by. In our community, we see people speeding and has resulted in a number of cats being run over and left for dead. These cats aren’t always identified, resulting in missing cats and owners never getting closure on what has happened to their beloved pet.

Construction

Communities and buildings are constantly being developed, which means lots of construction. We love to see the city expanding, but we want to make sure that our cats are safe from danger. If you live near construction and let your cat outdoors, your cat may find shelter in the hotter months in shaded construction areas, buildings or even under industrial vehicles, resulting in injury or worse. Cats can become trapped in pipes, AC units and a number of other hazardous areas. They may also become disorientated of their surroundings and not be able to find their way home.

No Nationwide TNR programme

It’s no secret that the stray cat population in the UAE is evident in most areas. We see so many community cats and we’re lucky that a handful of people help TNR. They spend their own money on making sure cats are neutered, spayed and ear tipped. However, there are thousands of cats that are not. You can easily identify a stray cat that has been neutered or spayed by their ear tip which is done as part of the procedure. This doesn’t mean that every cat you see with an ear tip is a stray, as some cats are fortunate to get adopted. Many stray cats still need to be neutered and spayed, which means these cats are territorial. This leads to cats fighting to keep and protect their territory. So, if your cat roams outdoors, there is a chance they could get into fights and become injured.

Hot climate

It’s hot all year round in the UAE, and in the summer months, can reach in excess of 50 degrees Celsius. With such a warm climate, heat stroke in animals can occur very quickly, and this can be fatal to your fur kid. Cats can become disorientated and struggle to find their way home.

Animal Cruelty

Yep, a topic I hate discussing but reality is, we see it, we hear about it, and we report it. Just because you love your cats, doesn’t mean to say others do too. We do not condone any form of animal abuse, illegal breeding or cruelty to any animal. If you suspect animal abuse is happening, or witness animal abuse, you can report to –

MINISTRY OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENT HOTLINE – 800 30 50

DUBAI MUNICIPALITY HOTLINE – 800 900

LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES ACROSS THE UAE

EMIRATES ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY ON +9712 501 0054

Animal Theft and Illegal Breeding

We live in a city that has been voted one of the safest in the world, but we shouldn’t take this for granted. Animal theft is something that we should all take seriously in the UAE and safeguard our pets against. Illegal breeding is a lucrative business and ‘designer breeds’ can fetch a lot of money. Don’t believe me? Join the numerous Facebook groups and see how many posts there are, advertising kittens and puppies. If you are thinking about welcoming a new furry into your family, please make sure you are speaking with reputable rescuers.

So, is it safe to let your cat outside in the UAE?

This is for you to decide. Everyone has an opinion on how their cats should live. Letting your cats outside comes with risks, but there are safety precautions you can take to protect them. Making sure your cat is microchipped, wearing a collar and ID tag and keeping your cat’s vaccinations up to date, is very important. You can also cat proof your garden or build a Catio so your cats can enjoy the outdoors in the safety of your gardens.

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