‘Pet Love’ at its peak in Kashmir
By: Sualiha Zubair
Srinagar: In the serene landscapes of Kashmir, an unexpected trend has been taking place. Over the past few years, pets, particularly cats have become an integral part of Kashmiri households.
Historically, Kashmiris have always kept animals, not just as companions but for practical reasons. Cows, goats, and sheep were indispensable to agrarian life, while hens provided eggs and meat. However, with the changing times, a new class of pets has emerged, and cats, in particular, have grown in popularity.
The religious context plays a significant role in this shift. Islam, which is the dominant religion in Kashmir, has long supported the keeping of cats as pets, with numerous Hadiths praising the cleanliness and kindness toward cats. As a result, the presence of cats in Kashmiri homes has become far more common.
Among the different breeds, Persian cats have particularly captured the attention of pet owners. Known for their stunning long, silky coats and affectionate nature, Persian cats have become a favorite choice for many Kashmiris.
According to 22-year-old Syed Hazim, from Buchpora, his pet Olive, a triple-coat Persian cat, caught his attention instantly when he went to adopt a cat. “With her expressive eyes, I felt an instant connection with her,” says Hazim. He adds that it is the gentleness of the Persian breed that made Olive an ideal choice for him.
Hazim adopted Olive in 2022 and since then Olive has transformed his life beautifully. “She is not just a pet; she is a part of our family. Every morning, Olive greets us with her soft purrs, and makes everyone feel loved,” he says with joy. “Whether she is curling up next to us on the couch or following us around the house, she is a constant source of happiness,” concludes Hazim.
In addition to cats, dogs, rabbits, fishes and birds, especially parrots are becoming increasingly popular pets, especially for children.
The rise in pet ownership in Kashmir coincides with some of the most challenging years for its residents. Mental health in the region had already been under strain due to the political instability and the ongoing conflict.
The revocation of Article 370 in 2019 led to months of lockdown and curfews, further exacerbating feelings of isolation and uncertainty. The situation worsened with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, which pushed people into long periods of quarantine and social distancing.
During this time, loneliness and mental health issues reached an all-time high. According to the Epidemiological Study of Psychiatric Disorders in Kashmir, released in 2024, a total, 11.3 percent of adult population suffers from mental illness in the valley.
As compared to males (8.4 percent), females had a higher prevalence (12.9 percent). Depressive disorders (8.4 percent) were the most common psychiatric disorders, followed by anxiety disorders (5.1 percent).
In this grim reality, pets became a lifeline for many. The companionship offered by animals helped ease the loneliness and anxiety caused by the pandemic and the lockdown.
For many Kashmiri residents, pets provided a sense of stability during the turmoil. Salika Amin, from Bemina believes that her pet cats have played a huge role in helping her overcome depression. “I used to spend most of my time alone, but after having them, my entire day and night revolve around them,” she says.
According to Amin (23), it is hard to describe the bond she and her family shares with these cats. She says that without them, their house feels empty. “Whenever I go out, these are the ones I miss the most. And when I come home, their love takes away all my stress and exhaustion. They truly feel like my children,” expresses Amin. She adopted her white Persian cat, Hannu in April, 2023. Now Hannu has four kittens too, making it a family of five.
Despite the many benefits of having pets, the surge in pet ownership has also introduced new challenges, particularly concerning public health and pet care. One of the most pressing issues is the rise in animal bites, particularly from dogs and cats.
The Anti-Rabies Clinic at SMHS reported a total of 8,652 bite cases from April 2023 to March 2024, including 5,386 cases from dog bites and 2,844 from cat bites. The increasing trend of keeping cats as pets has been attributed to the rise in cat bite cases, a phenomenon that has been observed post-COVID.
Dr. S Muhammad Salim Khan, Professor and Head of the Department of Community Medicine at GMC Srinagar, explains, “Cats can transmit rabies just like dogs, and we are seeing more cases of cat bites as a result of the growing trend of keeping cats as pets. Unfortunately, many pet owners fail to adhere to proper norms such as vaccination, deworming, and hygiene practices.”
The importance of proper healthcare for pets cannot be overstated. Dr.Zubair Ahmad War, a local veterinarian, in an article emphasizes that pet owners must ensure their animals receive timely vaccinations and routine checkups. According to him, a veterinarian must be consulted to understand a pet’s needs and to ensure proper healthcare. “Keeping a pet is a long-term responsibility, and pet owners must be prepared to provide for their animals,” he stresses.
As Kashmir continues to experience a surge in pet ownership, the need for responsible pet care has never been more urgent.
