Kashmir's Growing Obsession With Persian Cats

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer)
Kashmir's Growing Obsession with Persian Cats

By Er Haya Aijaz

A quiet trend has taken over many homes in Kashmir. Persian cats, once seen as rare and fancy pets, are now everywhere. What began as a love for soft, pretty animals has turned into something bigger. It has become a show of status and, sometimes, a sign that our priorities are changing in the wrong way.

You'll now find young people spending hours booking vet visits, getting their cats scanned, and going through surgeries like ovary removal and castration. Yes, for cats.

There was a time when the youth of this valley were known for their knowledge, respect for elders, and connection to faith. These days, many seem more focused on pet grooming, spa sessions, imported litter, and designer cat food. They rush to care for their cats but don't always show the same care when their parents are unwell or when their community needs them.

It's now considered“normal” to spend thirty to forty thousand rupees a month on a single Persian cat. And it doesn't stop with one. Some families keep five or ten cats at a time, spending lakhs of rupees every year. That amount could easily support a whole family. Instead, it's being spent on pets for the sake of appearing stylish or rich.

Read Also 'Deworming, Vaccination Key To Risk-Free Pet-Human Bond' Experts Dispel Myths on Toxoplasmosis, Pregnancy Risks

Traditionally, Kashmiris raised animals like goats or hens, not just for fun but also for food and income. Now, someone walking with goats is laughed at, while a person pushing a cat in a stroller is seen as classy. How did we flip the script so badly?

We are becoming servants to our pets. The strange part is that animals were always meant to support human life, not the other way around. A dog sees the human as its leader. A cat acts like it's in charge. And many of us are okay with that.

But here's the real worry: where are we headed? Islam encourages kindness to animals, but never told us to place them above people. The Prophet (PBUH) taught compassion, not show-off culture. We were meant to take care of orphans, help our families, pray, and seek knowledge. When did cats become more important than all that?

Today, many young people no longer attend religious classes or read books. But they know everything about cat breeds, diets, and diseases. It's not just a hobby, it's become an escape from real life.

Our faith gave us the values of learning, worship, and good action. But those are slowly being replaced by consumer habits, laziness, and the need to impress others. This obsession is changing how we see ourselves and how we use our time and money.

This is not just about cats. It's about the bigger picture. We are losing touch with the things that once gave our lives meaning: family, faith, and community.

It's time to ask ourselves what really matters. Pets are not the problem. Losing sight of our purpose is. We can still love animals, but let's not forget to care for people too.

• Er Haya Aijaz is a Research Scholar and can be reached at [email protected]

MENAFN22042025000215011059ID1109460766