" " The prophet Mohammad was very fond of cats, particularly one named Muezza (not shown). RenataAphotography/Getty Images

The Islamic prophet Muhammad always loved cats. His favorite feline of all was Muezza. Muhammad was so attached to him, he'd let the cat sit on his lap while he gave his sermons. He'd even drink water that Muezza had previously been lapping up [source: Islamic Information Portal].

There are several well-known tales about Muezza. One says that the cat saved Muhammad from the deadly bite of a venomous snake. Another relates a time when Muezza was asleep on Muhammad's robe when the call to prayers sounded. Although most people would have simply shooed away the cat, Muhammad instead cut off the sleeve of his robe so Muezza could rest in peace. He then stroked Muezza three times to grant him the ability to land on his feet under any circumstances, and also gave him seven lives.

Today, Islam instructs Muslims to revere cats. In fact, mistreating a cat is considered a major transgression [source: Islamic Information Portal].