Department of Municipalities and Transport Guidelines for Feeding Community Cats

As part of its commitment to animal welfare, the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has introduced vital guidelines for feeding community cats in the UAE. These rules are designed to ensure the well-being of stray cats while maintaining public health and hygiene.

By following these guidelines and supporting the Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Return (TNVR) initiative, community feeders can make a positive impact on the management of stray cat populations, ensuring a balanced and humane approach to animal care in the UAE.

Feeding Awareness Initiative for Community Stray Cats

The initiative focuses on educating community cat feeders about their responsibilities in caring for colonies of stray cats. By following these guidelines, feeders can play an active role in managing the population of stray cats and ensuring their well-being, while adhering to UAE regulations.

Feeding Essentials: Rules and Guidelines

1. Cat-Specific Food Only: Feeders are required to provide food made specifically for cats. Human food or home-cooked meals should not be given to stray cats.
2. Proper Use of Bowls: Each feeding station must include three reusable bowls—two for dry cat food and one for water. Wet food should be placed in disposable bowls, which must be removed immediately after the cats finish eating. Bowls should never be overfilled, and the area must be kept clean, free of rubbish and leftovers.
3. Human Food Prohibition: Residents must avoid placing food meant for human consumption at cat feeding areas. This helps maintain cleanliness, reduces the risk of choking hazards (such as small bones), and protects cats from foods that may contain toxic seasonings. Violations can result in fines.
4. Feeding Area Maintenance: Feeders are responsible for cleaning bowls before each feeding and ensuring that the feeding area is free from debris.

Stray Animal Management: Understanding TNVR

Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Return (TNVR) is a globally recognized, humane strategy for managing stray cat populations. This process involves trapping cats, sterilizing, vaccinating, and treating them before returning them to their original location. TNVR helps to stabilize and eventually reduce stray cat populations in a humane manner.

Benefits of TNVR:

• Population Control: By preventing new kittens from being born, the stray cat population naturally declines over time.
• Improved Well-being: Female cats benefit from reduced pregnancies, and kittens are spared from being born in unsuitable conditions.
• Behavioral Improvement: Neutering reduces mating behaviors like yowling, fighting, and spraying, which can be disruptive to the community.
• Health Support: Vaccinations help prevent the spread of diseases, both among the cats and in the wider community.

Why Cats Are Returned

Not all stray cats can adjust to indoor life. Many are too accustomed to living outdoors, and relocating them can be extremely stressful. Additionally, cats are considered an integral part of the UAE’s landscape. Removing them from an area can trigger the “Vacuum Effect.”

By following these guidelines and participating in the TNVR program, community feeders can ensure they are helping to improve both the welfare of stray cats and public health within the UAE.

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