Community Initiative Supports Abu Dhabi's Stray Cats

Sep 8, 2026

82 min

Sep 8, 2026 13:30

Al Raha Cats: The volunteers keeping Abu Dhabi's strays fed and healthy

## A Passionate Beginning

Gianluca Santangelo, an Italian expatriate in Abu Dhabi, started a community initiative to care for stray cats after noticing them during his evening runs along the Al Raha canals. His love for cats, nurtured since childhood, inspired him to connect with other residents who were already feeding the cats individually.

## The Role of Wasabi

A cat named Wasabi played a significant role in Gianluca's journey. Initially shy and bullied by other cats, Wasabi eventually warmed up to Gianluca, becoming a symbol of the initiative's mission. Although Wasabi has since passed away, his memory continues to motivate Gianluca and the volunteers.

## Growing Community Efforts

The initiative, known as Al Raha Cats, has grown significantly, utilizing social media platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp to organize volunteers. The area is divided into zones, each managed by a team of volunteers who coordinate feeding schedules and other tasks.

## Trap-Neuter-Return Program

A key focus of the group is the trap-neuter-return (TNR) program, which helps manage the stray cat population humanely. Over 120 cats have been sterilized, vaccinated, and microchipped, improving their health and controlling the population.

## Challenges and Support

The initiative faces challenges such as maintaining volunteer engagement and securing approvals for feeding stations. Despite these hurdles, the community's support has been strong, with donations managed transparently through direct payments to veterinary clinics and an Amazon wish list for supplies.

## Legal and Financial Framework

Operating within Abu Dhabi's regulations, the group avoids direct cash donations, instead relying on sponsors to cover veterinary costs and donors to provide supplies. This approach ensures transparency and compliance with local laws.

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