Dubai – What began as a simple act of kindness during the COVID-19 lockdown has become a full-scale rescue mission—and now a crisis—for Aisha Rashid, a 39-year-old Pakistani expatriate. Aisha is on the brink of eviction after taking in 65 stray cats at her Dubai apartment, a mission that has consumed nearly all of her income and put her family under intense financial and emotional strain.
From Feeding Strays to Full-Time Care
Aisha’s journey started when she agreed to feed a few neighborhood cats during lockdown. But as the pandemic dragged on, more abandoned animals found their way to her doorstep. Over the past six years, she has neutered around 150 cats and currently spends Dh4,000–Dh5,000 each month on vet care—despite earning only Dh7,000 in her auto-loan back-office job.
Many of the cats she shelters are blind, injured, or recovering from accidents, and require constant attention. “Even though I have so many cats and I’m suffering … when I see dumped cats, I cry for them,” Aisha says.
Mounting Fines and an Eviction Deadline
Building management has fined Aisha Dh8,000 for keeping so many animals and ordered her to remove all 65 cats by October 2. Despite paying her rent through December, she has been told to vacate if she fails to comply. The cramped two-bedroom apartment has also become difficult to manage as the animals grow in number and need.
Family Hardships
Aisha’s compassion comes as her family faces its own battles. Her mother is fighting blood cancer, her father is retired, and her brother helps cover the rent for a second apartment where the family stays. Yet Aisha continues to shoulder the costs of food, medical care, and rescue work—often sacrificing her own needs.
A Plea for Help
With time running out, Aisha is appealing to animal lovers, shelters, and UAE authorities to help rehome the cats or provide a safe facility such as a villa or farmhouse. She also seeks donations and volunteers to ensure the animals are not left homeless.
Animal welfare advocates warn that cases like Aisha’s highlight the need for stronger community support systems and public awareness about responsible pet care.
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