Question for Muslims on feeding cats during Ramadan

[DrizzleHair]

Hi,

After opinions from Muslims please.

My next door neighbours, both sides, are Muslims. I've known them just a year as I only recently moved here. They've both been really friendly and welcomed me and my family to the street, and brought us the odd plate of food eg from a family gathering when they had plenty.

We've provisionally agreed we'll do a play date as we have children similar ages.

So there the background.

I'm days away from giving birth and neighbours both sides have said if there's anything they can do to help to let them know.

I've realised it would actually be really helpful if they could feed my cat, but I'm not sure if this is an insensitive thing to ask during Ramadan - the cat food is all fish so no pork concerns but I have no idea if the food is halal, plus it is stinky meat while they'll be fasting.

Is this okay to ask or should I stick to asking my mum a 25 min walk away? She'll happily feed cats once every couple of days, whereas neighbours might be able to feed twice a day which is what we normally do.

Thanks for opinions!

[00100001]

Why would it be insensitive?

[00100001]

They only fast during the day. A lot put on weight during Ramadan!

[msrisotto]

Random

[Justmadeperfectflapjacks]

I doubt the smell of the food would tempt them to break their faith. Urgh. .
Worst smell ever - cat food!!

[00100001]

And presumably Muslims following Ramadan feed their pets as normal

[DrizzleHair]

Asking someone fasting to handle meat which may be prepared in a way which goes against their religion feels like it might be an insensitive thing to ask. I don't know. That's why I'm asking - I like my neighbours a lot and don't want to offend them or put them in a position where.I'm asking them to do something they'd prefer not to do.

[nancy75]

I do t know, if I hadn't had anything to eat or drink all day I think the smell of cat food would make me feel sick

[DrizzleHair]

Thanks for replies.

Are any of you Muslim? I'm keen on answe re a from Muslims rather than non-Muslims assuming.

And in my admittedly not very wide experience I'm not sure how common pets are in Muslim households. Certainly neither of my neighbours have them

[00100001]

You're over thinking this.

[Slightlyperturbedowlagain]

You could ask them? There are slightly different approaches to Ramadan I think (from various colleagues) so the best way might be to upfront ask if it is something they are able to do or not, explaining that you totally understand if they can't . Good way to get to know them a bit better? Hope everything goes well

[HateSummer]

I'm Muslim. Fish meat is fine to handle as all fish is halal regardless of how its killed/handled.

I wouldn't be offended because I'd be helping a neighbour out and that's exactly what Ramadan is about. I wouldn't mind during normal circumstances either. It's just feeding an animal.

[MrsPeelyWaly]

I'm a Muslim but it doesn't prevent me from saying, what the actual fuck?

Hth

[HateSummer]

Well that's helpful isn't it Peely 🙄.

[DrizzleHair]

Mrs what is the problem with a neighbour trying to be considerate of someone elae's religion?

Would you prefer me to make assumptions based on.my own ignorance which potentially offend, then come on aibu slagging off neighbours for having beliefs I don't understand?

[DrizzleHair]

Thanks hatesummer, good to know helping neighbours is part of Ramadan.

I like these people and I plan to live here for the next 20 years so I don't want to accidentally piss them off - I'd like to become friends over time if possible, so good to know I can ask this favour

[AdalindSchade]

Muslims feed their own cats during Ramadan. It's really not a thing. They will be happy to help I'm sure.

[JustAnotherYellowBelly]

Pregnant Muslim here.
My family will be feeding my during Ramadan and will also be feeding the animals

[JustAnotherYellowBelly]

*me

[DrizzleHair]

Thanks yellowbelly, I'll go ask them tmrw

[malaguena]

Another Muslim here saying total non-issue! It's kind of you to ask but I agree you are over thinking this. Sit back and relax, I am sure they will be happy to help, fasting or not fasting!

[fakenamefornow]

Sorry, tangent. Why can't you feed the cat yourself?

[DrizzleHair]

I'll be giving birth tangent! In hospital, possibly for a couple of days or more, no idea how it'll go yet...

[GinAndSonic]

You might be fine, I went in at midnight when my waters broke and left at 2pm so was there 14hours in total.

[DrizzleHair]

That sounds perfect gin - can I order a birth like that please?

[Picklepickle123]

Muslim here - I'm sure they won't mind feeding your cat for a few days. Ramadan is about adults fasting anyways - there's nothing against feeding other people/animals!