Marhaba! Congratulations on welcoming a new feline friend to your life. Navigating pet ownership in Dubai comes with its own unique set of considerations—from the summer heat to specific regulations. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
This Dubai-specific checklist will help you and your new cat start your adventure together on the right paw.
Before You Bring Kitty Home: The Dubai Essentials
- Beyond tucking away cords, see to it that your windows and balconies are securely screened (meshed). This is a non-negotiable in high-rise buildings to prevent tragic falls.
- Have these ready:
- Food and water bowls. Stainless steel is great as it doesn’t harbor bacteria in the heat.
- High-quality cat food. You should not have trouble finding the best quality of cat food in the city. Ask your vet for recommendations!
- Litter box and litter. Clumping litter is widely available. Go for organic options as cats can sometimes accidentally digest litter.
- A cozy bed. Preferably a cool, raised cot can be better for our hot climate than a plush, enclosed bed.
- Scratching post. Cats like to sharpen their claws. It’s essential if you want to save your stylish Dubai furniture.
- A secure pet carrier for travel and vet visits. Consider your cat’s adult size so you don’t have to replace it again in a few months.
The First Few Weeks
- Schedule a vet visit. This is your top priority. By Dubai law, all cats must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. Register your cat with a local vet immediately. They will guide you on the required vaccinations and the microchipping process. Click here to set an appointment with an award-winning Dubai vet clinic now.
- Go Slow on Introductions. Allow your new cat to adjust to their new environment. Let them decompress in a single, quiet room first. Patience is key!
- Beat the heat. Always keep the air conditioning on for your cat when you are not home. Make sure they have access to multiple sources of fresh, cool water.
Image by Paul Hanaoka on Unsplash
Ongoing Care
- Nutrition & Hydration. Hydration is crucial to pets, especially in Dubai’s hot climate. Consider investing in a cat water fountain to encourage drinking (they prefer flowing water over stagnant ones). And most importantly, go for wet food or a mix of wet food and kibble. Fortunately, you can find a wide variety of international and specialty pet foods in Dubai.
Use this calculator to know how much to give your new cat. Kittens up to 6 months can eat more frequently (three times a day). Adult cats, on the other hand, can eat twice a day – morning and night.
- Litter Box Duty. Scoop daily! A clean litter box is even more important in a warmer indoor environment. Cats don’t like dirty litter boxes and will relieve themselves outside it if they find it unsanitary.
- Play & Enrichment. The indoor lifestyle in Dubai makes playtime critical. Dedicate time each day for interactive wand toys to simulate hunting and keep them active, especially during the hot summer months when outdoor access is limited.
- Grooming. Regular brushing helps with shedding, which can be a year-round issue in air-conditioned homes. Brush their coat at least once a week. Cats don’t need to be bathed unless they really need it. If you need to clean them, consider using dry pet shampoo. And of course, invest in a good vacuum cleaner or a robot vacuum to keep your house clean.
- Community & Resources. Join Facebook groups like “Cats in Dubai” or “Pet Lovers in UAE” for local advice, pet-sitter recommendations, and community support.
Providing a Loving Home
A new cat is not just a pet, they are a new member of the family. You become their entire world which means their health and happiness are your responsibility. If this checklist has you hesitating, re-consider bringing a pet home. They deserve every bit of love and attention from someone who is ready. However, if you think you are prepared, then you are in for a beautiful world of pet parenthood that is an experience like no other.
Welcome to the wonderful community of pet owners in Dubai. It’s a rewarding journey, and with this checklist, you’re perfectly prepared.
Welcome home little one!
