Damascus: A Global Capital for Feline Welfare
Damascus: A Global Capital for Feline Welfare
This year, Syria marks World Animal Day 2026 by declaring Damascus a global capital for feline welfare—a tribute to the compassionate nature of its people, including merchants, stall owners, and residents alike. Visitors to Damascus are captivated by the sight of cats roaming freely everywhere: waiting outside shopfronts where owners leave out food and water, or approaching park visitors to nuzzle against their legs before settling comfortably into their laps. One also sees them resting blissfully atop market stalls in bustling souks, while passersby delight in watching them, stroking their soft fur, and taking photos. Perhaps most remarkable are the women who arrive every evening to gather scraps from food, meat, and poultry shops, meeting hundreds of cats that have learned to congregate at specific spots, awaiting their meals from these women—some of whom have even opened up their entire homes to shelter large numbers of cats in safety and happiness.
All things considered, does Damascus not deserve to be named the global capital for feline welfare on World Animal Day 2026?
- Contact Name: Darem Tabbaa
- Contact Number: +963944233966
- Contact Email: daremtabbaa36@gmail.com
- Location: Damascus -
- Organised by: Animal Protection Project- Faculty of veterinary medicine - Hama university