Cats in Islam
Cats are one of the most beloved animals in Islam. They are mentioned in many stories of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and respected by Muslims all over the world. Cats are clean animals, and they are allowed inside homes and even in mosques.
But one common question many people ask is: “What do Muslims feed cats?”
The answer is simple. Muslims feed cats the same kind of food that is healthy and natural for them—mostly meat, fish, and sometimes commercial cat food. However, the choice of food is influenced by Islamic values such as kindness, cleanliness, and avoiding what is harmful.
Why are cats special in Islam?
Teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) about cats
There are many narrations (hadiths) that show the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) cared deeply for cats. One famous story is about his companion Abu Hurairah (which means “Father of the Kitten”), who was given this nickname because of his love for cats.
The Prophet (PBUH) encouraged Muslims to treat cats with mercy and never harm them. In fact, there are hadiths that warn against mistreating animals, especially cats, and reward kindness toward them.
Respect and kindness toward animals
Cats are considered pure in Islam. Unlike dogs, they are not seen as impure, and their presence does not affect prayer or cleanliness. This is why many Muslims happily feed them, allow them to roam freely, and even share their food with them.
Do Muslims keep cats as pets?
Are cats allowed in Islam?
Yes, Muslims are allowed to keep cats as pets. Unlike some animals that may not be suitable for living inside the house, cats are considered clean. Many Muslim households have cats, and they are treated like family members.
Cleanliness of cats in Islamic teachings
Islam teaches that cats’ saliva is not impure. They are naturally clean animals, and they lick themselves to stay clean. This makes them different from other pets in Islamic law.
What do Muslims usually feed cats?
Muslims feed cats food that keeps them healthy, strong, and satisfied. This includes a mix of homemade meals and ready-made cat food.
Homemade food for cats
Many Muslims prefer natural food for their cats. Some common choices are:
Cooked chicken and meat
Chicken and other meats are the most popular food for cats in Muslim homes. Cats are natural meat-eaters, so boiled or cooked chicken is a safe and healthy option.
Fish and seafood
Fish is another favorite food for cats. Muslims often give them small portions of cooked fish. However, too much fish is avoided because it can cause health issues.
Rice and bread (in small amounts)
Sometimes cats are given a little rice or bread along with meat. However, grains should not be their main diet because cats need protein more than carbohydrates.
Packaged cat food
In many modern Muslim homes, people buy ready-made cat food from pet stores. These foods are made specially to provide all the nutrition cats need. While buying, Muslims may check the ingredients to ensure they don’t contain harmful or forbidden (haram) substances.
Foods Muslims avoid giving cats
Some foods are harmful to cats and also avoided in Muslim homes. These include:
-
Pork and pork products
-
Alcohol or food cooked with alcohol
-
Onions, garlic, and chocolate (toxic for cats)
-
Too much spicy or salty food
Halal and Haram food for cats
Do cats need halal food?
This is a common question. In Islam, halal food is required for humans, not for animals. Cats are carnivores, and they do not have the same religious rules as humans. So, Muslims do not have to buy “halal-certified” cat food, though some prefer it out of personal choice.
Is pork or alcohol-based food allowed for cats?
Even though cats don’t need halal food, Muslims generally avoid giving them pork or alcohol-based products. This is out of respect for Islamic teachings and also because such foods are unhealthy for cats.
The balance of diet for cats in Muslim homes
Meat as the main diet
Since cats are carnivores, meat is the main food Muslims give them. Chicken, lamb, beef, and fish are the most common.
Fresh water and milk
Cats always need clean drinking water. Some Muslims also give milk, but it is given in small amounts because not all cats can digest it.
Stories of Muslims feeding cats in history
Cats in mosques
In Islamic history, cats were often seen in mosques. They were welcomed because they kept the area clean by hunting mice and did not disturb prayer.
Muslim families and street cats
In many Muslim-majority countries, families leave food outside their houses for stray cats. This tradition comes from the Prophet’s teaching about kindness to animals.
Street cats and charity in Islam
Feeding stray cats as a form of sadaqah (charity)
In Islam, feeding any living creature is considered a charity (sadaqah). Many Muslims believe that feeding cats brings blessings and mercy from Allah.
Muslim countries and their culture of feeding cats
Countries like Turkey, Egypt, and Morocco are famous for their street cats. In these countries, Muslims regularly put out food and water for cats, and they are respected as part of the community.
Common mistakes Muslims avoid when feeding cats
Giving too much human food
Sometimes people give cats leftovers from their own meals. While this is fine in small amounts, too much can be harmful because cats need a different diet than humans.
Lack of proper nutrition
Some Muslims may feed only bread or rice to cats, which is not healthy. Cats need protein and vitamins from meat and fish to survive.
FAQs
Do Muslims give halal food to cats?
No, cats do not need halal food. But Muslims avoid giving them pork or alcohol-based foods.
Can cats eat human food in Muslim homes?
Yes, but only in small amounts. Cats should not eat too much rice, bread, or spicy food.
Is feeding stray cats rewarded in Islam?
Yes, feeding any animal is considered charity (sadaqah), and Muslims believe it brings reward.
Do cats live in mosques?
Yes, in some places, cats live in mosques, and they are respected by the community.
What is the best food for cats in Islam?
The best food is natural meat like chicken, beef, or fish, given in a clean and kind way.
Can Muslims give milk to cats?
Yes, but only in small amounts because some cats cannot digest it well.
Conclusion
So, what do Muslims feed cats? The answer is simple: Muslims give cats healthy food like meat, fish, and sometimes packaged cat food. They avoid harmful or forbidden items, and they treat cats with love and mercy.
Cats hold a special place in Islam as clean and beloved animals. Feeding them is not just about giving food—it is also an act of kindness and charity that brings blessings.
In Muslim homes and communities, cats are not just pets; they are respected creatures of Allah that remind people of mercy, compassion, and care.
