Ruling on Trading and Keeping Cats in Islam

✿ Answer by: Shaykh Saeed Mujtaba Saeedi ḥafiẓahullāh & Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir ḥafiẓahullāh

❖ Is It Permissible to Trade Cats?​

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ clearly prohibited the sale and purchase of cats. It is narrated from Jābir ibn ʿAbdillāh رضي الله عنه:

“The Prophet ﷺ forbade the price of dogs and cats.”
(Sunan Abī Dāwūd: 3479)


Based on this ḥadīth:

• Trading cats (buying or selling) is not permissible in Sharīʿah.
• Accepting or giving money for a cat is ḥarām, as the Prophet ﷺ prohibited it.

❖ Keeping a Cat at Home​

As for keeping a cat at home, the following rulings apply:

• If a cat comes on its own, or is found along the way and is brought home,
• Then it is permissible to keep and care for it.
• There is no prohibition in Sharīʿah on keeping cats for companionship or affection.

❖ Historical Example​

• Abū Hurayrah رضي الله عنه, a prominent companion of the Prophet ﷺ,
• Was known for keeping a cat with him, hence his kunyah (nickname) “Abū Hurayrah”—meaning Father of the Kitten.
• His real name was ʿAbdur-Raḥmān ibn Ṣakhr, and his affection for cats is well-known in Islamic history.

❖ Western Imitation​

• Blind imitation of Western culture is inherently disapproved, regardless of the intention.
• However, keeping a cat as a natural expression of affection or personal interest does not constitute prohibited imitation,
• Provided it is not done to follow non-Islamic trends or values.

❖ Summary​

✔ Trading Cats:

• Ḥarām, based on clear prophetic instruction.

✔ Keeping Cats at Home:

• Permissible, if the cat comes willingly or is found and taken in without purchase.

✔ Imitating the West:

• Imitating Western customs without Sharʿī justification is impermissible,
• But keeping a cat out of genuine affection is not included in this prohibition.