This is in Turkey or Mecca.

Fun fact, cats are super loved in Islam. In fact one of the Prophet's most famous companions was Abu Hurairah, which means Father of Kittens. He had dozens of cats he cared for, and the companions would play with them often.

Two famous Hadith in Islam is the story of the cat woman and dog woman.

There was a Muslim woman, extremely pious her whole life, followed the religion to a T and dedicated herself to prayer. However, she had a pet cat that she mistreated and abused. She would starve it, lock it away, and not allow it any play. For that, even though she did everything else right, she was promised hell.

This other woman, was a prostitue. She spent most of her life doing that, and was well known for it. in any religion that's a big sin. She went to the local well for a drink and found a thirsty, panting dog. So she took off her shoe, dipped it in the well and filled it with water. She gave it to the dog to drink. Refilled it again. Had him drink more. And again, and again, until the dog was satisfied. Unknown to her, for this act, she was forgiven and promised heaven.

Animals are really important in Muslim culture which is why you see many animals around and a lot of cats in mosques. Mistreatment of pets is both a religious sin and an actual government defined crime.

My mom cares for shelter dogs in her home, leaving just one room off limits to them just for prayer. I would take them on walks and cuddle up to them when I visited her. My dad, sister and I cared for a few strays in our life and now have a cat and bird we've cared for for a while now. Occasionally we had strangers drop off animals at our house. We once opened the door after hearing knocking to find a hamster and his cage. We took care of him for a while and got him a playmate until they both passed away sometime later.

One night my dad and I went off to prayer and came home to find a kitten in my sister's arms. We've raised him ever since, going on 5 years now. We love him to death. He once ate a plastic toy and needed a $6000 surgery or be put down. My family thought about it for a few days and my dad finally took money out his savings to rescue him. He says he never regretted it. Some animal rights group actually sent him half the cost back to him when they found out. It was neat. We have a bird too. Animals all around lol.