25 CATS FROM QATAR: A Real-Life Incredible Journey

25 CATS FROM QATAR (Blu-ray)

2025 / 95 min

Whole Grain Pictures

Review by Dave, the Cat Dad😸

My two cats, Pepper and Mr. Bonnie, don’t know suffering, sadness, fear, hunger or even a dirty litter box. Ever since adopting them two years ago, they lead a carefree life of total luxury and basically run the house, which is strewn with cat toys in every room (including some that didn’t start out as cat toys, like all my hair ties). 

Do they appreciate how good they have it? Probably not, which is part of what makes them endearing. To them, I’m not a parent or master…I just happen to be the roommate who pays all the bills (and as I write this, Pepper is glancing at me with a face that suggests, “At least you know your place, Dave”). 

All cats should be entitled to a life like this. Unfortunately, most aren’t, especially if they're unfortunate enough to live in Qatar. Millions of strays struggle to survive on its streets. What’s sad (and infuriating) is many of them were once pets owned by people living there temporarily, but when they moved back home, the cats were left behind to fend for themselves. I hope there’s a special place in Hell for those folks.

Some are lucky enough to find care with individuals who do their best to feed and give medical treatment. But these guys mostly doing it on their own dime and can’t possibly save them all. In the documentary, 25 Cats from Qatar, we meet some of them, as well as the cats they try to help. These animals are often malnourished, alarmingly thin, often suffering from infections or injuries from living on the street. Animal lovers be warned, especially those who hold cats near and dear to their hearts…these sequences are heartbreaking and tough to watch.

Her pet deposit must be astronomical.

But thanks to Katy McHugh, an American cat cafe owner, a couple dozen of these cats are getting a chance to start a new life. At her own expense, she arranges to travel to the city of Doha and select 25 to bring home for adoption. It’s not an easy task…not only do the cats need to be healthy enough to survive the journey, she must select those most likely to be adopted out. The film mostly focuses on a half-dozen candidates, and what Katy’s does to give them the best chance. Each cat has a unique story, and the viewer can’t help but become emotionally invested in their journey. 

While watching the film, I regarded Pepper & Mr. Bonnie, lounging on the sofa with me without a care in the world. “You two little divas don’t know how good you have it,” I said. Mr. Bonnie stared back and arrogantly merped, which I interpreted as, “You say something, can opener?”

As harrowing as the scenes of feral strays and permanently disabled cats are, the cat rescue itself (which ends up being more than 25…yay!) is joyous and heartwarming. Though we’re reminded that Katy’s efforts are just a drop in the ocean, they are life changing for a few fuzzy felines. Unless you’re complete lacking empathy, 25 Cats from Qatar is a deeply affecting film.

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