Caring for a pet involves tending to small animals. This includes providing them with food daily. It also involves offering them shelter and possibly grooming them. Pets are common among people, ranging from animals such as cats, dogs, lizards, rabbits, chickens, and others. Some benefits of having a pet include the following:
- Typically, animals like cats or dogs can fend off any intruders or predators. These may include snakes and rats. They can enter the owner’s home at any time, day or night. This phenomenon is evident among those living in tropical regions, particularly in rural areas. Occasionally, rats or snakes may approach nearby, but having a cat positioned outside can effectively deter those predators from entering.
- Cats make excellent companions, providing friendship to their owners during times of solitude and loneliness at home. They demonstrate affection towards their owners, especially when they approach them for food, demonstrating their love profoundly. Similarly, dogs are known for their protective instincts towards their owners in dangerous situations, although this behavior is less prevalent in Muslim culture. Caring for a cat aligns with the sunnah of the Prophet (SAW), as many of his companions adored animals like cats.
- Cat waste can serve as a useful fertilizer for both small and large plants, assisting in the recycling of nutrients back into the soil. This process is particularly vital in nature, where ecosystems rely on the return of nutrients to the soil, enabling plants to decompose organic matter effectively and recycle it for human consumption. This significantly aids nature in the cycle of life.
- Owning a pet offers numerous advantages; they can serve as guardians for the home, be loyal companions during moments of solitude, and contribute to ecological recycling through their natural hygiene habits. Therefore, having a pet is a wise and beneficial decision for any owner.
