Abu Hurayra: The Companion Named for His Love of Cats
Among the most beloved companions of the Prophet ﷺ was a man known to history as Abu Hurayra — literally, “father of the kitten”. The name itself tells you something lovely about how cats were regarded.
Where the name came from
It’s related that he was given this affectionate nickname because of a small kitten he used to care for and carry with him. A companion known across the centuries for narrating so much of the Prophetic tradition is remembered, in part, through his fondness for a cat.
What it tells us
That a cherished figure could be warmly nicknamed after a kitten speaks volumes. Kindness to animals wasn’t a fringe idea — it was woven into the character of the community, as we explore in cats in Islam and the rights of animals in Islam.
A gentle lesson for today
The story is a quiet reminder that caring tenderly for a small creature is something to be proud of, not embarrassed by. Feeding and tending a cat well sits firmly within that tradition — see keeping cats as pets in Islam.
Care for your own little companion with halal, wholesome food. Why halal matters · register your interest.