Fostering Feline Health and Supporting Biodiversity: The Cat Wellbeing Program

Launched in December 2023, the Cat Wellbeing Program at Ajman University is an exciting initiative to promote the welfare of campus cats while promoting biodiversity and responsible pet ownership. The program complements our commitment to creating a nature-positive, sustainable environment as part of our membership in the "Nature Positive Universities" initiative in partnership with the University of Oxford and UNEP. Through targeted efforts, the Cat Wellbeing Program fosters a healthy, safe, and enriching campus environment for our feline companions, enabling an example of integrated ecological stewardship.

1. Promoting Cat Health and Responsible Care

A cornerstone of the Cat Wellbeing Program is the promotion of cat health through regular check-ups and preventive care. This includes essential services such as neutering/spaying and vaccinations, which can prevent the spread of diseases and support a healthy, healthy cat population on campus. The program's commitment to regular health check-ups ensures that each cat receives the best possible care, resulting in a balanced ecosystem and reducing any potential negative impact on local wildlife. By prioritizing health, the program does not only safeguard the cats but also sets an example for responsible animal management in the university community.

2. Ensuring a Steady Food Supply

An essential aspect of the Cat Wellbeing Program is maintaining a reliable food supply for campus cats. This ensures that the animals are well-nourished, preventing competition for food sources that may otherwise disturb local wildlife. The program carefully utilizes food and establishes scheduled feeding times, maintaining consistency and reducing waste, while promoting ethical sourcing practices that align with our commitment to sustainable development.

3. Building Cat Feeding Stations with Students

In an effort to engage students in the initiative, the Cat Wellbeing Program has proposed to establish dedicated feeding stations across campus. These feeding stations, designed with student input and participation, serve a dual purpose: providing the cats with safe, consistent access to food, and offering a valuable learning experience for students interested in animal welfare and environmental stewardship. By fostering a culture of collaboration, the program empowers students to participate in the university's biodiversity and sustainability initiatives.

4. Enriching Cat Lives Through Engaging Environments

The program aims to enhance the quality of life for campus cats by providing engaging, stimulating environments. This includes designated play areas with safe, natural materials for the cats to explore, as well as interactive toys and climbing structures that promote physical activity and mental stimulation. These enriched spaces contribute to the cats' overall well-being and enhance an element of natural beauty to the campus, fostering a harmonious coexistence with the surrounding area.

5. Supporting Biodiversity and Ethical Habitat Management

The Cat Wellbeing Program is a key component of our wider biodiversity objectives, highlighting the importance of ethical habitat management and conservation. Through habitat enhancement initiatives, the program strives to create a balanced environment that supports the well-being of campus cats and preserves local wildlife. The program strives to avoid interference with native wildlife, ensuring that the presence of campus cats aligns with ethical and ethical ecosystem management practices.

6. Educating the Community on Responsible Pet Ownership and Biodiversity Conservation

Education is a fundamental part of the Cat Wellbeing Program, aiming to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership and the importance of biodiversity conservation. Workshops, informative displays, and interactive sessions encourage students, staff, and faculty to understand the role each individual plays in fostering a sustainable and respectful environment for all campus residents, both human and animal. By promoting these values, the program cultivates a culture of compassion, responsibility, and environmental awareness.

7. Aligning with Nature-Positive Goals for a Sustainable Campus

The "Nature Positive Universities" initiative with the University of Oxford and UNEP, Ajman University strives to promote global sustainability. The Cat Wellbeing Program plays an important role in these endeavors by aligning with nature-positive goals that foster biodiversity on campus. By promoting animal welfare and ecological balance, the program demonstrates our commitment to creating a campus environment that is both sustainable and supportive of diverse life forms.

The Cat Wellbeing Program is more than just an initiative for campus cats; it is a symbol of our commitment to a sustainable, natural-friendly future. By promoting cat health, ensuring adequate food resources, creating stimulating environments, promoting biodiversity, and educating the community, we are actively pursuing a harmonious coexistence with nature. This program encompasses our values as a nature-friendly university and serves as a model for campuses worldwide, demonstrating that small, conscious efforts in animal care can have a profound impact on the environment. Through collaboration, responsibility, and compassion, we are creating a campus where all individuals—human and animal alike—can thrive in a sustainable, biodiverse environment.

How to be part of this program?

We currently have 44 volunteers across campus. If you wish to be a volunteer in this program, please join this group here.