Blog #1: Race, Ethnicity, Culture or Religion

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In Islam, cats are regarded as clean animals deserving of respect, a belief that significantly shapes how they are treated in many Muslim-majority countries, including Morocco. This perspective is rooted in Islamic tradition, where the Prophet Muhammad's kindness towards cats has become a cultural norm of caring for them. In Morocco, it’s quite common to observe community members actively feeding and safeguarding street cats, allowing these animals to live alongside people without fear of neglect or harm. This behavior reflects the intertwining of religious values and cultural practices that emphasize compassion and hospitality.

The Encyclopaedia Britannica highlights that Islamic teachings promote kindness toward animals and stress the importance of humane treatment of all living creatures (Esposito, 2023). In the images attached to this blog, the street cats in Morocco appear healthy and relaxed, comfortably interacting with humans. This is largely due to the collective effort of locals who provide care and sustenance, showcasing a unique relationship between the communities and these animals. It’s a powerful demonstration of how religion and culture can shape societal behavior in meaningful ways.

Personally, witnessing the street cats during my travels in Morocco was one of the most striking cultural differences I encountered. Compared to the United States, where stray cats tend to be skittish and quick to flee, the cats in Morocco exhibit a remarkable trust in people. In the U.S., it’s common for stray cats to run away, having little exposure to positive human interaction. However, in Morocco, many cats approach people without hesitation and relax in public spaces. Watching entire communities come together to provide food and care for these animals made me reflect on the significant role religion plays in fostering compassion in everyday life. I believe the connection between Islam and the treatment of cats enhances a collective sense of responsibility towards animals, and seeing locals comfortably interact with street cats truly changed my perspective. It underscored the power of cultural and religious beliefs in promoting kindness and compassion that radiates throughout society.







Reference 

Esposito, J. L. (2023). Islam and animal welfare. Encyclopaedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Islam/Islamic-attitudes-toward-animals 

Comments

  1. Levi ThomasMay 28, 2026 at 12:35 PM

    Having been raised Southern Baptist and never having set foot in a predominantly Muslim nation, I was fascinated and, to this day, surprised by the number of cats at every turn during our trip. I was unaware of Islam’s impact on cultural norms surrounding cats, but after witnessing the calm and relaxed demeanor of most of the cats present during our excursion as well as their general good health, I can confidently say that I find Morocco’s treatment of felines everywhere to be far better than what we practice in the U.S. When placed side by side, it is quite apparent that this communal respect for cats is not prevalent within the U.S., as 97% of American cat owners consider their pets to be a part of their family and the majority of cat owners keep them indoors and away from the public (Adams, 2018). This is not to say that one system is objectively better than the other, but it is apparent that domesticated cats within the U.S. are treated largely as private goods confined to the families that own them. With regard to religion, Christianity is the majority religion in the U.S., and it takes no theological stance on the treatment of cats (Evertsberg, 2019; Pew Research Center, 2024). I believe this plays a crucial part in the difference between cultural norms regarding the treatment of cats and leads to a far less communal context for the care and kindness shown to cats from sea to shining sea.



    References

    Adams, E. (2018, March 16). How the Enlightenment Transformed Cats into Pets. Lives & Legacies. Retrieved May 28, 2026, from https://livesandlegaciesblog.org/2018/03/16/how-the-enlightenment-transformed-cats-into-pets/
    Evertsberg, W. (2019, May 5). A Theology of Cats. Kenilworth Union Church. Retrieved May 28, 2026, from https://kuc.org/sermon-archive/a-theology-of-cats/
    Pew Research Center. (2024). Religious Landscape Study (RLS). Pew Research Center. Retrieved May 28, 2026, from https://www.pewresearch.org/religious-landscape-study/

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