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Original poster

Question for Muslims on feeding cats during Ramadan

36 replies

DrizzleHair · 26/05/2017 19:29

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!

OP posts:
00100001 · 26/05/2017 19:32

Why would it be insensitive?

00100001 · 26/05/2017 19:33

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

msrisotto · 26/05/2017 19:33

Random

Justmadeperfectflapjacks · 26/05/2017 19:33

I doubt the smell of the food would tempt them to break their faith. Urgh. .

Worst smell ever - cat food!!

00100001 · 26/05/2017 19:34

And presumably Muslims following Ramadan feed their pets as normal

Original poster
DrizzleHair · 26/05/2017 19:34

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.

OP posts:
nancy75 · 26/05/2017 19:35

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

Original poster
DrizzleHair · 26/05/2017 19:36

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

OP posts:
00100001 · 26/05/2017 19:37

You're over thinking this.

Slightlyperturbedowlagain · 26/05/2017 19:37

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 Flowers

HateSummer · 26/05/2017 19:39

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 · 26/05/2017 19:39

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

Hth

HateSummer · 26/05/2017 19:42

Well that's helpful isn't it Peely 🙄.

Original poster
DrizzleHair · 26/05/2017 19:42

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?

OP posts:
Original poster
DrizzleHair · 26/05/2017 19:44

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

OP posts:
AdalindSchade · 26/05/2017 19:45

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

JustAnotherYellowBelly · 26/05/2017 19:49

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

JustAnotherYellowBelly · 26/05/2017 19:50

*me

Original poster
DrizzleHair · 26/05/2017 19:52

Thanks yellowbelly, I'll go ask them tmrw Smile

OP posts:
malaguena · 26/05/2017 19:52

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 · 26/05/2017 19:53

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

Original poster
DrizzleHair · 26/05/2017 19:57

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

OP posts:
GinAndSonic · 26/05/2017 20:05

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

Original poster
DrizzleHair · 26/05/2017 20:10

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

OP posts:
Picklepickle123 · 26/05/2017 20:15

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!