In Saudi Arabia, thousands of cats live in conditions that are almost impossible to imagine.
There are no shelters, no animal protection laws, no rescue services.
Stray cats try to survive on the streets or in the desert, where temperatures rise above 45°C.
- Geen water.
- Geen voedsel.
- Geen schaduw.
How it all began
My name is Astrid Westerman, and I have been a donor to Stichting Dierennood for 15 years. Through Shazia — a Dutch woman with a huge heart for animals — I learned about the immense suffering of cats in Saudi Arabia.
During a trip to Mecca and Medina, Shazia was deeply affected by the number of stray cats she encountered. In 2022, she found a starving kitten in Madinah, alone and without its mother. She tried to save him, but he ran away. When she asked the hotel reception for an animal ambulance, she was told such services simply do not exist.
The kitten was never found. But Shazia never forgot him.
Out of that grief and helplessness, Madinah Cats was born — a small foundation with a big mission.
What Madinah Cats does
With a small but dedicated team in Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands, they work tirelessly to provide:
Medical care for sick and injured cats
Sterilization programs to reduce the number of stray cats
Rehoming and adoption for cats who deserve a second chance
Expanding support to Riyadh and Jeddah
Future plans for rescue centers in Mecca and Medina
Their local rescuer, Hajar, performs miracles every day in Medina.
In the Netherlands, Wim and Loes help strengthen the organisation and support the mission.
They even arrange international adoptions, giving many cats a new life with loving families abroad.
Why help is urgently needed
In a country without shelters or animal protection, this small team is the difference between life and death.
Every single day. Animals have no voice. But their suffering is visible. And we can help.
Every single day. Animals have no voice. But their suffering is visible. And we can help.
Every single day.
Animals have no voice.
But their suffering is visible.
And we can help.
Please help
Every contribution — big or small — provides water, food, medical care, and a chance at a better life for these vulnerable animals.
Streefbedrag: 4.000 euro - Stand.: 100 euro
A huge thank‑you to all donors! We could not continue this mission without you.
23 febr. - De situatie voor de zwerfkatjes in dat bloedhete land is echt erbarmelijk slecht.... Vrijwel niemand lijkt zich daar iets aan te trekken van het erg grote dierenleed van al die kleine weerloze levende wezentjes.... Laten wij dan die geweldige Nederlandse vrouw helpen, die daar WEL wat aan wil en kan doen!
Week t/m 22 febr. - 100 euro