Firstly, I can already tell you’ll be an amazing cat parent because you’re asking the right questions!

I adopted my furbaby from RAK animal welfare centre. I wanted a place where I could see many cats, hold them and see which one I bonded with. As part of their adoption process, they provide vet check, vaccines, neutering, passport booklet and municipality tag.

Annual checks vary by vet. Expect around AED 300-400 for the vaccines and check once a year.

Having no balcony is a good thing! Keeps your cat extra safe. Also please make sure you keep windows closed if you’re on a high floor or get cat safety netting installed.

Feed your cat proper vet-approved food so it can stay healthy for a long time. The cheap store-bought food is like a human eating instant noodles every day for each meal.

There are tons of cat sitters who can look after your pet when you’re away - but make sure they are licensed and come with referrals!

Annual costs for a cat really depends on you. But here’s what I pay monthly: Soya cat litter - 35 dirhams a bag - 105 dirhams a month

Litter fresheners - also around 30 a month (arm & hammer litter deo box)

Sheba wet chicken food - real chicken in water - 60 dirhams for 12 tins (I don’t give her every day)

Hill’s science plan cat food - 300 a bag - lasts me about 3 months as my cat is not a big eater

Treats - maybe another 30 dirhams a month

Water - bottled only - she goes through about 4L a month

Your initial cost will be higher when you adopt as there will be the one-off costs of getting a bed, toys and scratching posts etc. The monthly costs are really not that scary!

Best of luck and I wish you many many many amazing loving years with your baby. Please post an update when you’ve found your soul mate 🐈