As-salamu `alaykum. Is it permissible to feed my cat food which is not halal (permissible)? They do not come into the house and are fed outside.
Can I Feed My Cat Non Halal Food According to Islam?
It is permissible to feed house pets with meat that has not been properly slaughtered. They may also be given food that is deemed impure in Islamic Law, provided that there is no risk of that food harming the animal.
What Do Classical Scholars Say About Impure Food for Animals?
In the Hanafi book Bada’i` As—Sana’i` (1/78), we read: “Imam Abu Hanifah holds the opinion that it is permissible to feed dogs dough made of flour which is mixed with impure water. This is because whatever becomes impure is unlawful for human consumption, but it may still be utilised.”
Evidence from the Sunnah on Feeding Animals Impure Substances
This is the opinion held by most prominent scholars. It is related by Ibn `Umar that while on a journey with the Prophet (peace be upon him), the people stopped to rest in the land of Thamud (Hijr). They took water from its well and made dough with this water. However, they ordered them to pour out the water and feed the dough to their camels. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Scholars cite the above narration as evidence that it is permissible to feed things to animals that are not permitted in Islamic Law for human consumption.
