Is It Hard to Own a Cat in Saudi Arabia?
If you’re thinking about getting a cat in Saudi Arabia or you already have one you’ve probably asked yourself this at some point:
“Is it actually easy… or am I signing up for something difficult?”
The short answer?
👉 No, it’s not hard but it comes with its own challenges.
Let’s talk about the reality of owning a cat in Saudi Arabia the good, the difficult, and what most people don’t tell you.
🌟 The Good News: Cats Adapt Well in Saudi Arabia
Cats are actually one of the easiest pets to own here.
Why?
They’re independent
They don’t need outdoor walks
They adjust well to apartment living
They handle indoor environments better than dogs
👉 For many people in cities like Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah, cats are the perfect companion.
🌡️ Challenge 1: The Heat
Saudi summers aren’t just hot they’re extreme.
What this means for your cat:
Outdoor exposure is dangerous
Dehydration can happen quickly
Power outages (rare, but possible) can be risky
What you need to do:
Keep your home cool (AC is essential)
Always provide fresh water
Avoid leaving cats in balconies or outdoor spaces
👉 Indoors = safe. Outdoors = risky.
🏠 Challenge 2: Travel & Leaving Your Cat Alone
This is where most cat owners struggle.
You might think:
“It’s just a cat… it’ll be fine alone.”
But in reality:
Cats can get lonely
They may stop eating
Anxiety can affect their behavior
The real issue:
👉 Who takes care of your cat when you travel?
Family isn’t always available
Boarding can stress cats
Leaving them alone too long isn’t ideal
This is one of the biggest pain points for pet owners in Saudi.
🛍️ Challenge 3: Finding the Right Supplies
The pet industry in Saudi is growing but still not perfect.
You might face:
Limited variety in some cities
Higher prices for premium food
Inconsistent availability of certain brands
👉 The good news?
Online stores and local pet shops are improving fast.
🏢 Challenge 4: Apartment Living
Most people in Saudi live in apartments.
Things to consider:
Space for your cat to move and play
Scratching behavior (furniture 😅)
Keeping them mentally stimulated
👉 A bored cat = a destructive cat.
❤️ Challenge 5: Time & Attention
Cats are independent but not low-maintenance emotionally.
They still need:
Interaction
Playtime
Attention
Ignoring them for long periods (especially during travel) can affect their well-being.
🤔 So… Is It Hard?
Not really.
👉 It’s manageable if you’re prepared.
Owning a cat in Saudi Arabia is:
Easier than owning a dog
Great for apartment living
Very rewarding emotionally
But the real challenge isn’t daily care…
💡 The Real Challenge: When Life Gets Busy
Travel. Work. Unexpected plans.
That’s when things get complicated.
And most cat owners end up asking:
“Who can I trust to take care of my cat?”
🐾 A Better Solution Is Coming
As more people in Saudi Arabia adopt pets, better solutions are starting to appear.
Platforms like Anis are being built to:
Connect you with trusted, verified pet sitters
Help you care for your cat while you’re away
Give you peace of mind when life gets busy
🚀 Thinking of Getting a Cat (or Already Have One)?
You’re not alone and it doesn’t have to be difficult.
👉 Join the Anis waitlist
Be among the first to access trusted pet sitters near you.
