‘Even the bats I’ve handled were easier than him’: How a Feral Street Cat in Dubai Fought Off Help Until One Stubborn Biologist Refused to Give Up

Author image for Laurent Shinar
Laurent Shinar • Writer and Editor
Jul 14, 2025 4:00 PM EDT

Well, here we have rather the emotional story about a heroic hooman who did not give up, no matter what, and all for an animal who did not live in their home, nor even their street. It is not often that a rescuer gets involved past the delivery to the local vet office, after all, life is busy and tough enough as it is. But in this story our heroine felt that something was amiss, that while she had made the right moves to save the cute cat she cared about, something was not being done about it.

And much to everyone's misfortune, she was right, but not too late. And that is where her hero's journey really kicks into high gear and gives this rescuer the chance to prove how devoted she truly is to cat kind. If the cat council were watching (and they always are), we would assume that a delivery from the Cat Distribution System will arrive shortly. 
 

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  • 01
    Hello everyone! I just discovered this thread, and I want to thank you all for raising awareness :) I wanted to share my story and ask for some advice:
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  • 02
    I'm currently in Dubai, and about six months ago, I noticed a male feral cat who appeared very thin and had skin problems. He lived in a university area where there are many cats with access to food and water. I contacted my vet,
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    Cheezburger Image 10529350912
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    who recommended antibiotics, so I started treating him by mixing the medication with his food. He was initially scared of me and aggressive toward other cats, but he gradually made health progress, and his mood improved, though he still acted like a feral cat (obviously :) ).
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  • While the plight of this poor cat is indeed woeful, we cannot help by feel our hearts warm knowing that there is a hooman out there taking the time and putting in the effort and money to take care of street cats in need. Sure there are qualms and ethics involved, but first and foremost caring is what counts.

  • 05
    Later, he developed another issue with his neck, and the wound wasn't healing, probably due to the hot weather and scratching with dirty paws. However, he
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  • 06
    started to trust me a bit, and although he was sometimes aggressive, he discovered he liked being petted when I finally managed to try it. I considered
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  • 07
    taking him to the vet, and while I was arranging it, a woman who regularly feeds the cats in the area took him to the vet herself. I was surprised but also relieved, as my husband thinks I can get overly obsessed with stray cats
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    I donated some money for his treatment, thinking everything would be fine. However, two months later, I realized he had not returned to the university area. When I asked for an update, I found out that he was still in a cage at the vet. I went to see him
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  • 09
    and was horrified to see that his wound was much worse and deeper than before. The vets there told me he was doing better compared to how he had been, which tbh really crazy, I am not sure what they have done to him. I managed to overcome
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  • Well, this is weird beyond understanding. Like, you would not expect a hospital to admit you and then make you worse by simply not treating you. All the while, you are supposedly taking up precious bed space that could be used by other patients. 

  • 10
    some challenges and transferred him to another vet whom I trust a bit more, and he is now slowly recovering. It turned out he is FIV+, so the vets advised against releasing him back onto the street.
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    I'm not skilled at finding homes for pets and have considered adopting him myself. However, the local vet advised against it, as my current cat is FIV- and that it would be irresponsible to expose her to risk. I see people here manage this situation, but I would really appreciate any advice because:
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    1. I have no idea how my cat, who is 5 years old and has always lived alone, would react
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    2. The feral cat is already older than a year and can be aggressive (though I am sure he just need love)
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    3. I will be moving to another country in one or two months, which means he would need to be vaccinated and neutered, causing him significant stress — something the vet said is very bad for his condition. And the flight itself even greater stress. But what other options do I have, since I already decided to take care of him?...
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    4. My husband, of course, against all of this, though for some reason I am confident that he will surrender, so it is not the main problem
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    5) I am also afraid that living in a flat will make him sad as he used living outside with a lot of places for a walk
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    annebonnell Your vet is a little weird. Is he by any chance a man? Vaccinations and neutering are not going to harm your cat in any way, shape, or form. He might have a bad reaction to the vaccines, but that is an extremely rare event. Gabapentin will calm
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    him down for the move. Cats do very well in small spaces. As for your other cat, go on YouTube and watch Jackson Galaxy videos. He will explain how to introduce cats. In other words, go for it.
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    OutrageousSolid... You are right about challenges. Normally I would tell you not to worry about a POS and neg cats together. It really isn't an issue. Your bigger issue is moving countries and the rules between countries. Most
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    have a period of time required for quarantine that can create many challenges including monetary ones. It is not just the travel but also quarantine if required is very stressful for a healthy, socialized animal. This cat is
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    already stressed due to the vet office, being caged while sick and not used to being indoors living with another. cat that also does not know him. Maybe work with the person that also helped to see if the two of you can find a home for him. If your
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    husband is not on board and you don't have time to get this new cat comfortable and socialized with your other cat, it is asking a lot for a good outcome, although he could surprise you. Still it is an awful lot for a cat that doesn't understand why his world is suddenly upside down with no time to stabilize and get comfortable. Tough decision,
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street refuse cat dubai stubborn bats easy cat stories give up reddit story fight help handle feral biology
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