My name is Sheena, I am British and currently working on Doha. The Middle East conflict has affected so many people, and we hope for de-escalation soon. As with all conflicts however, often animals are forgotten victims. I am fundraising for abandoned pet cats that have become innocent victims of this conflict.

Since the start of the missile attacks in the Middle East, there has been a huge spike in pet abandonment with owners fleeing the region, including from Qatar. Lack of funds, time or paperwork are often cited as the reasons for doing this, as well as pets not permitted on evacuation flights. I had already been helping with rescuing and fostering cats, but the current situation has compelled me to do more as an act of compassion and decency. There are animal rescue shelters here in Qatar, but they are already overwhelmed, just as independent rescuers like me are too.

I already had five rescues before the missile attacks started, but that has now doubled to 10, with one more added since launch. So I have 11 rescues! I am completely self-funded and I am now beyond my limits both in terms of space, and resource. This campaign – Hope in Doha - is named after my first conflict rescue, Hope, who is heavily pregnant.

To re-home all these cats, I am working with a wonderful rescue centre in New York state - Rock N'Rescue - as well as my personal networks. This campaign is to help raise funds to help cover the costs for the transportation to get these rescues to new homes in the USA or UK when things calm down. All costs are listed below. I have also listed the medical costs if donors would prefer their donations are spent on the care of these cats. My ultimate goal is to cover all costs, which will be around £6,000, although very appreciative of any help.

If you would prefer to donate and help some of the abandoned pet dogs here, I can pass this on on your behalf to two other rescuers that is also rescuing dogs. Just note in your comments or message me.

Thanks you for your interest and support.

Sheena

About my rescues needing your help

Conflict cat rescues:

Hope, F, 12m Tri-colour Scottish Fold/Chinchilla Persian mix. Hope was 6 weeks pregnant when discovered in an upscale villa compound , along with her siblings. The compound security guard had been looking out for her and reached out to a fellow rescuer. Hope is extremely friendly and is due 3 or 4 kittens early April. All will be available for adoption.

Kibou, F, 3-4yrs, White Persian. Kibou was dumped on the streets by her original owner, and was then looked after by a family who decided to leave Doha when the attacks started. The family surrendered her to me two days before leaving Doha. Kibou is a very beautiful, gentle and sweet cat that really deserves a loving forever home.

Skye, F 12-18m Silver tabby Scottish Fold. Skye was spotted in a very built up suburb by a food delivery driver – she was hiding under his bike terrified. He moved her to his building’s basement car park and posted on social media, which I was tagged on. Skye was off the streets with two days and is a super sweet and affectionate cat.

Teddy, M, 7yrs, Beige Persian/British Shorthair mix. Teddy was hiding under a skip across the street when I rescued Skye – he was pointed out to me by the delivery driver. Fortunately, I had a spare cage in the car, so I picked him up too. He is a very gentle and beautiful boy and looks and behaves just like a Teddy bear! He had been on the street a bit longer. He is currently with a foster.

Mira (was Zohra), F 6m, Black Arabian Mau/Street cat. Mira approached me as I was walking back from my metro station just before the conflict started. She was asking for help. After initial vet check-up, I was referred to a special orthopaedic vet. She had multiple issues as a result of being hit by a car, we think: Hernia, blocked colon, broken left hip, crushed right hip/pelvis. She required two major surgeries, the second is rare, complex and risky, but the vet has given her a good prognosis if successful, offering a substantially discounted cost (£1900). He is fully committed and very interested in her case. Mira would have died if her treatment had not proceeded. The conflict has delayed her second surgery, and her stay in hospital has been extended as a result - but she is doing well. Mira is extremely friendly, sweet and affectionate cat. Available for adoption.

Mr Cadbury M12m mix Scottish Fold/Siamese. Handed in to my vets surgery when I was getting Skye’s vaccinations started. Abandoned in very good condition with no health issues, Mr Cadbury was found in the garden of a client at the surgery. He is currently with a foster.

Existing rescues

Sir Edmund (Percival Hilary), M, 2y, White Turkish Angora. I spotted Sir Edmund following me from behind some bushed as I walked back from the metro one night. He was nervously asking for help. It was two minutes from my apartment, so I got a cage and rescued him. Sir Edmund is a very shy and beautiful cat that will need a quiet and patient home. He is currently with a foster. Available for adoption.

Ailsa (F) and Craig (M), 4m Scottish Fold siblings. Surrendered for adoption, Ailsa and Craig are a lovey brother and sister duo Craig is the strongest and healthiest, but Ailsa has had a few medical issues, is on her second hospital stay and very ill. Generally, her immunity is low, but she is a fighter and is making progress. I have two more siblings from this litter that are fully sponsored.

About the costs

I am fundraising to help with the costs of rescuing these cats as I am entirely self-funded. Please do consider supporting these cats and getting them to the forever home they deserve. The more I can raise, the more I can rescue – but these cats are the immediate priority. I hope to get them to their new homes when things calm down.

I am primarily seeking support with funding their travel costs, but you can choose a donation based on the basic costs explained below:

Basic Travel costs per cat

USA - £230 per cat

Flight: £150 ($200) (As excess baggage on a flight buddy ticket)

Travel Crate:£40

Export Health Certificate: £30

Export Permit: £10

UK (discounted) – Must go cargo, final cost depends on numbers shipped – the – approx. £700 - 1000 per cat

Flight/pet handler costs and export paperwork approx. £3-500 per cat

Airport landing charges approx. £250 per cat

RATT (rabies immunity test) £155.00

Crate: £80

Export Health Certificate: £30

Basic approx. medical costs (discounted) to get cat healthy and ready for export is £225.00 for females, £205 for males. The break down

Initial vet consultation £20.00

Spay & CBC £70.00

Neuter & CBC £50.00

Vaccinations - 2 tri-cat and rabies £60 (£20 per shot)

Microchipping £25

Grooming £40 basic

Passport: £10

Typical additional medical costs:

Ear Mite treatment £40

Course of de-worming: £30 (£10 per dose)

Ringworm course of treatment: £75

Medicated bath: £20

Ultrasound: £50

Dental Extractions: £50 - £125

Hospital stays: £18 per night

Basic foster costs:

10l Bag of litter £3.50

Box of 12 Felix wet food pouches £6.25

2.5kg bag of Friskies dry food £9.50

7kg bag of hills scientific kitten dry food £70

Thank you!