Do you know how many cats there are in Marrakech? Too many, that’s how many! There are lots of blogs out there about how cute the cats of Marrakech are, but this is not one of those blogs. Before you assume I am not a cat lover, let me clarify. I adore cats. However, the cat population is out of control in Marrakech, and it breaks my heart to see it.
Neutering cats isn’t common practice in Morocco, partly because it’s just not a priority compared to other problems the country faces, and partly due to religious factors.
In Islam, cats are viewed as holy animals that are admired for their cleanliness. They are to be cherished and loved. Mistreating a cat is actually regarded as a severe sin in Islam, according to the Islamic Information Portal.
Muezza
One of my favorite stories is about the Prophet Muhammad and his cat Muezza. According to the story, Muezza was sleeping on the Prophet Muhammad’s robe when the call to prayer bells sounded. Instead of shooing the cat away, Muhammad cut off the sleeve of his robe so that he wouldn’t disturb the cat. When he returned, Muhammad brought the cat inside and gave her food and fresh water, and she became his beloved companion.
According to the Islamic Information Portal, when Muhammad was questioned about his behavior towards cats, he said “To show mercy, no matter how small, is a good deed. How can you be so unfeeling as to not care for the weak? This cat deserves compassion as much as any human.”
I know at least a couple of people who would do just about anything to avoid disturbing their cats. I’m not sure they’d go as far as cutting up their clothes, but I wouldn’t put it past them either! I’ve definitely sat way too long with our dog, Elvis, on my lap, not wanting to get up and disturb his adorable sleep.
History
Throughout history, Muslim scholars have valued cats for protecting their books from mice. Scholars would often be depicted in paintings alongside their cats and were known to write odes to them as well, according to the Muslim Heritage website.
HELP
There are many international animal welfare charities that have a presence in Marrakech. Many TREAT, RESCUE, and CARE for stray cats and dogs as well as working animals like donkeys, mules, and horses. I am not affiliated with any of them, nor am I suggesting these are the best organizations available, but I am often asked how people can help. Here are some resources. Please let me know if you have other resources that I could add to this list.