Is annoying cats or other animals halal?

Question

Is it cruel to give a cat catnip? Cats go after the herb by themselves, but too much can make them aggressive.

Would it be considered halal or haram to give a cat catnip?

Answer 1

What is the benefit of giving catnip to cat? Just for fun? Does it annoy them?

I assume you are not sure because it has no benefit to the animal and will annoy them. Annoying animals and other creatures without any reason is definitely not pleased by God.

I found this Hadith a really great example, to what degree the rights of animals is important in Islam. It is from Nahj-Al-Balagha, Sermone 224.

قال علي ابن ابي طالب (کرم الله وجهه): وَاللهِ لَوْ أُعْطِيتُ الاََْقَالِيمَ السَّبْعَةَ بِمَا تَحْتَ أَفْلاَكِهَا، عَلَى أَنْ أَعْصِيَ اللهَ فِي نَمْلَةٍ أَسْلُبُهَا جِلْبَ شَعِيرَةٍ مَا فَعَلْتُهُ

Ali ibn Abi Talib (Karramallahu Wajhah): By Allah, even if I am given all the domains of the seven (stars) with all that exists under the skies in order that I may disobey Allah to the extent of snatching one grain of barley from an ant I would not do it