Can You Perform Ablution with Water Drunk by a Cat? The Islamic Ruling Explained
Cats hold a respected place in Islamic tradition. However, the ruling regarding water drunk by a cat—commonly referred to as “cat leftovers” in fiqh terminology—has been discussed extensively in classical jurisprudence. This article examines the hadith narrations and the opinions of major scholars, particularly within the Hanafi school, to determine whether performing ablution with such water is permissible or merely disliked (makruh). In a hadith narrated by Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The cat is a predatory animal.” (Ahmed b. Hanbal, Musnad 2/442; Darekutni, Sunan, Taharat, 1/69; Zeylei, Nasbu’r-Raye, 1/127.) It is one of the animals whose meat is not eaten. This hadith indicates that the water a cat drinks is impure. Indeed, the water that predatory animals drink is impure. This is because predatory animals eat carrion. Cats, whether domesticated or wild, eat carrion. Tahawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said...