A follower received a common question about the ruling on touching a cat and its effect on ablution (wudu). Dar al-Ifta confirmed that the acts which invalidate ablution are clearly defined in Islamic law, and touching animals is not among them.
The Fatwa Secretary explained that ablution is invalidated only by well-known matters, such as the خروج of something from either of the two private passages, loss of consciousness due to sleep or fainting, or directly touching the front or rear private parts. Simply touching an animal does not invalidate ablution at all.
He clarified that there is a clear distinction between invalidating ablution and becoming affected by impurity (najasa). Even if a person touches something impure, what is required Islamically is only to wash the affected area, without the need to repeat ablution.
The fatwa also confirmed that a cat is originally a pure (tahir) animal, citing the Prophet’s ﷺ saying:
“They are among those that move about among you,”
which serves as evidence of their purity and the permissibility of keeping them inside homes.
It added that petting or touching a cat does not invalidate ablution and does not require washing the hands, unless there is visible impurity on the area touched.
Invalidators of Ablution (Briefly):
Scholars unanimously agree that the invalidators of ablution are limited, most notably:
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خروج something from the front or rear private parts
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Loss of consciousness through sleep or fainting
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Touching the private parts directly without a barrier
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Washing a deceased person
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Apostasy from Islam
As for eating, drinking, or touching animals, these do not invalidate ablution.
