Fath al-Rabbani

Benefits: … A predatory animal that bites is also called "kalb" (dog), therefore the term "kalb" has been applied to the cat as well. The cat is unlawful (haram), but it is pure (tahir), and its leftover (liquid or food it has drunk or eaten from) is also pure. It is permissible to keep it in houses. The matter of the dog is clear: in the previous chapter, four types of dogs were excepted; apart from these, every dog will prevent the entry of angels. By "picture" is meant the image of a being with a soul, whether it is of a human or an animal, whether it is three-dimensional or in the form of a drawing or design, whether it is made on cloth or is a photographic image— all these types are unlawful (haram). However, those images are excepted which are for unavoidable necessities and for which there is no alternative, such as for passports, identity cards, licenses, etc. But it is better that even these be kept in a secure or closed place and not displayed openly. The angels who do not enter houses because of dogs and pictures are meant to be the angels of mercy. The angels who record deeds, the angels of death, and the angels who protect remain with the human being.