What we’re about
## 🐾 Meet Sahm – And Join a Movement to Shelter Stray Cats in KSA 🐾
By Meshal | Founder, Next to Home Shelter
When I moved to Saudi Arabia 9 months ago, I was shocked by what I saw. Stray cats — everywhere. In the streets, under cars, in dumpsters. Facing brutal summers, freezing winters, and surviving off scraps that often do more harm than good — broken glass, spoiled food, plastic. Many don’t make it. Some go blind. Others are hit by cars while running from danger.
And then, one day, I met Sahm.
He was just a 3-month-old kitten when he approached me, playfully tapping my foot. I thought he wanted food — but what he really wanted was attention, someone to see him. As I walked away, I told myself, “Maybe his mother will find him.” But then… he followed me. All the way to my apartment door. He sat there, staring into my eyes like he was asking, “Can I come in?”
So I let him in — just for one night.
***
### The Harsh Reality
The next morning, I started calling pet shelters in Riyadh. Every single one said no. The few that were open to helping asked for 1,000 SAR or more just to hold him for a few weeks — maybe until someone adopted him. I agreed. I wanted to do the right thing. I paid extra to have him vaccinated, cleaned, and treated for an eye infection.
One week later, I visited him… and my heart sank.
No one had even looked at him. He was locked in a small metal cage — more depressed than I’d ever seen him. In the wild he had danger, yes, but also freedom. Now he had neither.
It hit me hard:
Had I stolen his freedom?
Had I done more harm than good?
***
### A New Chapter
Days later, I called the pet store again, praying for good news. There was none. So I made the decision: I adopted Sahm.
That was 8 months ago — and it was one of the best decisions of my life.
Sahm greets me at the door every day when I come home from work. Before I’ve even changed my clothes, he’s there for his dose of affection. He has routines, habits, favorite toys. And one more thing: Sahm is mute — he can’t meow. But we communicate through body language and eye contact. He listens, he understands, and he loves.
Sahm didn’t just survive. He found his human.
And I found a deeper sense of purpose.
***
## 🛖 From One Cat to a Movement
Sahm’s story is not unique. There are thousands like him across Riyadh. Most don’t have names. Most don’t find homes. But we can change that — not by trying to adopt every stray, but by giving them safe, dignified shelters.
I’m building a community — Cat Shelters KSA — to design and place affordable, beautiful, portable shelters across the city. These shelters give cats:
- Shade and warmth
- Clean food and water
- A place to sleep without fear
But I can’t do this alone. I need you.
Yes, you — with your unique skills and heart.
***
## 🙌 Who We Need
- 🪚 Carpenters – to build beautiful wooden shelters with Saudi touches
- 📸 Photographers – to help us tell their stories
- 💬 Social media managers – to spread the word
- 💰 Donors – to fund shelter materials and food
- 🧑⚕️ Vets & volunteers – to keep our cats safe and healthy
- 🧠 Designers, engineers, students, cat lovers – anyone who wants to help
No role is too small. Everyone can contribute.
***
## 🐈 Let’s Build This — Together
My dream is to make this a nationwide movement.
To see shelters across every neighborhood.
To make Riyadh — and all of KSA — a place where even the voiceless are seen and cared for.
Are you down to give back to this unheard community?
If yes, you're in the right place. And I can’t wait to work alongside you.
With hope and love,
Meshal
Founder – Next to Home Shelter 🐾
