Teaching empathy through animal care in Oman

I was pleasantly surprised to read an essay in Arabic recently, published in one of our Omani newspapers, by an Omani author reflecting on a growing social phenomenon: more and more Omanis are opening their homes to cats, dogs and other animals.
What struck me most was not simply the observation itself, but the reminder that accompanied it. Bringing an animal into one's home is not a passing hobby or a temporary source of entertainment. It is a commitment. The moment we adopt an animal, we become their entire world. And they become part of our family.
Unlike humans, animals cannot explain their fears, illnesses, or discomfort. They depend on us for food, water, shelter, medical care and affection. The essay rightly emphasised that this responsibility should not be abandoned simply because an animal becomes sick, grows old, or occasionally misbehaves.
Caring for a pet requires patience and compassion, especially during difficult moments. In many ways, our treatment of the most vulnerable creatures around us reveals much about our values as individuals and as a society.
Reading the essay immediately brought to mind another scene that has become increasingly familiar during Oman's long summer months. As temperatures climb to uncomfortable levels, I often notice stray cats sitting in the shade of cars with their mouths open, panting from the intense heat. Some search desperately for water. Others wander near rubbish bins hoping to find something to eat. Watching these animals struggle under the scorching sun serves as a powerful reminder that responsibility extends beyond the walls of our homes.
Not everyone is able to adopt an animal, nor should everyone feel obligated to do so. Yet there are many small acts of kindness that can make a significant difference. Leaving a bowl of water outside a gate, placing food in a safe corner, or setting out containers near rubbish collection areas can help stray animals survive the harshest days of summer. These simple gestures require little effort, yet they can mean everything to a thirsty or hungry animal.
Such acts are deeply rooted in our religious and cultural traditions.
Islam teaches mercy not only towards fellow human beings but also towards animals. Stories from our religious heritage repeatedly remind us that compassion towards animals is rewarded and cruelty towards them is condemned. These teachings encourage us to recognise that all living creatures deserve dignity and care.
There is another aspect of animal welfare that deserves greater attention: education. Over the years, I have often written about the importance of involving children in community service and acts of kindness.
Feeding stray animals can become one such activity. It is a simple yet meaningful way to teach children empathy, responsibility, and respect for life. A child who learns to fill a bowl of water for a thirsty cat may also learn to notice the needs of elderly neighbours, classmates, and others who require support.
Some of my fondest memories involve caring for neighbourhood cats. Children are naturally drawn to animals, and many take great pride in helping them. What may begin as a summer activity soon becomes a lesson in compassion that lasts a lifetime. The animal benefits from food and water, while the child develops a deeper understanding of care and responsibility.
As Oman continues to embrace the idea of pet ownership, we should celebrate this positive development while remembering the obligations that accompany it. At the same time, we should not forget the countless stray animals that share our streets and neighbourhoods. Whether by adopting a pet, supporting animal welfare initiatives, or simply leaving out food and water, each of us can play a small part.
After all, kindness is not always measured by grand gestures. Sometimes it is measured by a bowl of water left in the shade on a hot summer Omani day.