🐾 On International Cat Day: How the Young Omani Istabraq Qassim Turned Fear into Love for Cats
To celebrate International Cat Day, OmanSpire sat down with the young Omani cat lover Istabraq Qassim, whose journey with cats began unexpectedly — not with affection, but with fear.
She recalls her first experience back in 2020:
“My father brought home a stray cat. We were all scared of her at first, but when he had to travel, he asked us to take care of her. I felt sorry for the cat and made sure she was fed. Over time, something changed… I grew attached. Eventually, I adopted another cat, and that’s how my love for them began.”
When asked to describe cats in just three words, Istabraq smiled and said:
“Kindness, love, life.”
She believes cats can sense human emotions deeply.
“Absolutely. Whenever I’m feeling down, my cat comes close, rubbing her head gently against me — as if to say, ‘I’m here.’”
On the topic of how cats are treated in Oman, Istabraq is hopeful:
“There’s definitely more awareness now, thankfully. I don’t hear as many upsetting stories as before. We have more veterinary centers, and people are starting to care. I truly hope one day I can open a cat shelter — with government support.”
At the end of the interview, she shared her idea for a community campaign titled “A Creature That Loves You Silently.”
Her goals for the campaign include:
- Raising awareness on the importance of vaccination and neutering.
- Encouraging adoption instead of buying.
- Highlighting the struggles of stray cats and how the public can help through shelter, food, and treatment.
- Partnering with clinics and pet stores to offer discounts and support for responsible care.
In Oman, compassion for animals — especially cats — continues to grow. Thanks to passionate individuals like the young Omani Istabraq Qassim, the future of feline care in the Sultanate looks brighter and more compassionate than ever.
