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A dozen dogs also live with Maryam al-Baluschi
Photo: MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP
Maryam al-Baluschi has twelve dogs - that would be an impressive number of animals that have to be fed, petted and moved every day.
But the pack is nothing compared to the hordes of cats that live with the Omani woman.
Al-Baluschi says he owns a total of 480 kitties.
The 51-year-old's passion apparently began ten years ago, and her entire house in Oman's capital, Muscat, is now full of cages.
She alternately lets the animals out to run and play.
"I think animals - especially cats and dogs - are more loyal than humans," says al-Baluschi.
According to her own statements, she spends around 6,500 euros per month on food and visits to the vet.
At first, she didn't like animals at all, as the retired officer explains.
When her son brought in a small Persian cat in 2008, she refused to look after her.
"I didn't like animals, and my son didn't pay much attention to them or hygiene."
Soon more and more people were putting their animals in front of Baluschi's front door
Two years later, however, another cat fell into her hands and she discovered her love for animals.
“I was completely absorbed in it.
I looked after her, fed her, bathed her and spent a lot of time with her. «Al-Balushi's newfound love for animals got around quickly, with more and more people dropping their own pets in front of their door.
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Maryam al-Baluschi with her roommates
Photo: MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP
After buying a house in 2014 following complaints from neighbors, her collection continued to grow.
She probably saved many of the animals from straying on the street.
Her cats and dogs also helped her overcome her depression, the 51-year-old reports.
"I was down and they were my lifeline."
In Oman, the number of stray and abandoned animals has increased significantly in media reports in recent years - despite fines of around 20 euros for abandoning pets.
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