In a heartwarming tale of compassion and resilience, a British woman named Chiku Singh has taken extraordinary steps to rescue a housecat that had been living alone in a derelict bathroom for two long years. This gentle feline, now named Tara Nova—meaning 'new star'—is on her way to a brighter future in the UK.

Chiku, who has a passion for animal rescue, learned about the long-haired cat through a photograph shared by a kind stranger. Eager to help, she drove from her home in Dubai to Abu Dhabi on August 8th, determined to find the frightened animal. Upon arrival, she discovered Tara Nova seeking refuge under metal sheets in a crumbling building.

Reflecting on her first encounter with the cat, Chiku shared, "She’s such a gentle cat who has endured such hardship. It broke my heart when I first saw her. I’m so happy that she’s getting a new start."

The rescue journey was not without its challenges. Tara Nova had become quite skilled at hiding, making it difficult for Chiku to reach her. For three weeks, Chiku made the 90-minute drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi after work each day. During this time, she carefully built trust with Tara Nova, providing food and encouragement until the moment came when she could coax the cat out of her hiding place and take her to a veterinarian.

At Capital Vet Clinic in Abu Dhabi, Dr. Kamal Adel treated Tara Nova with love and care, providing vaccinations, flea treatments, and a much-needed bath to help her feel her best.

With Tara Nova now healthy and thriving, Chiku is finalizing travel arrangements to bring her to a loving family in the UK. As she reflects on Tara Nova’s journey, Chiku recalls, “She looked completely lost and fearful. It was clear she didn’t belong there… I couldn’t walk away.”

Having moved to Dubai from London two decades ago, Chiku has witnessed the positive changes in animal welfare practices in the UAE, such as mandatory microchipping and registration for pets. These reforms reflect a growing commitment to the well-being of animals.

While there are ongoing discussions about the balance between caring for street cats and implementing laws to help reduce their numbers, the immediate focus is on Tara Nova. She is currently in a foster home, enjoying comfort and safety while awaiting her new adventure in the UK.

Chiku beautifully summarizes the essence of rescue work, stating, “Nova’s story could have ended in silence, but instead she curls up in comfort and safety on a soft blanket. She was always a treasure, just waiting for someone to see her. Rescuing starts with noticing.”

This touching story serves as a reminder of the goodness that can arise when we open our hearts to those in need, and it highlights the profound impact that a compassionate individual can have on the life of an animal.