- Cat Care Guides, Halal Living, Pet Nutrition
Ivy and Coco: The Cats Behind Hurayra
- Saliha Ghauri
Paws up! If you have ever looked into your cat’s eyes and wanted to give them the absolute best life possible, you are in the right place. The Hurayra Cat Food Story is not just about a business; it is about a tiny rescue kitten found in a shed and a fluffy gift that changed everything for one family in Leeds.
We know that as a pet parent, you want to feel confident about what goes into your cat’s bowl, and that is why we want to share the adorable journey of how Ivy and Coco became the inspiration for a brand new standard of pet care.
Meet The Kittens Who Started It All
The cats behind Hurayra are the true heartbeat of our brand. Ivy was a vulnerable little rescue kitten found in a shed and given to our founder, Aihtsham Rashid, by a caring friend. Shortly after, Coco joined the family as a thoughtful gift from a relative.
Before these two arrived, Aihtsham had never owned pets before, but the bond was instant. Ivy and Coco brought immense comfort to the household during difficult times, creating an unbreakable connection that made their health and happiness a top priority.
Why A Winter Evening Changed How We Feed Our Pets
The Hurayra Cat Food Story took a serious turn one winter night in 2023. Aihtsham came home with boxes of treats, excited to spoil his companions, but his wife and daughters met him with concern. They explained that as a Muslim household, bringing non-halal items into the home was something to be avoided, even if the food was for the cats.
This led Aihtsham to consult with scholars across the country, who confirmed that while a cat can forage for anything outside, a Muslim owner should not purposefully purchase and bring haram products into their home. Because we believe our cats Ivy and Coco deserve to be treated with the same ethical and spiritual care as any other family member, a new mission was born.
Solving The Problem Of Finding Pure Food In The UK
As Aihtsham began researching, he realised he was not alone; there are more than 500,000 Muslim cat owners in the UK. Many of these owners choose fish-based recipes hoping they are more in line with Islamic principles, but the cat food brand story often hides a difficult truth. When Aihtsham called various UK pet food factories, he discovered that they could not guarantee their fish recipes were free from cross-contamination.
These factories often use the same conveyor belts for pork, duck, chicken, and lamb. This made it impossible to find a truly pure, halal-certified option for his pets in the local market.
Searching The World For The Perfect Kitchen
Determined to find a solution inspired by our cats, Aihtsham took his search global. He eventually travelled to East Asia, a region known for its predominantly Islamic population and incredibly robust halal standards. The production environment there was far more advanced in terms of purity.
When the Halal Monitoring Committee (HMC) performed a full-day audit of the factory, they checked everything from the ingredients to the ethanol used to clean the machines and even the gloves worn by the workers. Every single detail had to comply with HMC standards to ensure the final product was 100% halal.
Creating A Recipe That Cats Actually Love To Eat
We are proud to be real cat owners creating cat food that does not compromise on nutrition. We knew that just being halal was not enough; the food had to be amazing for a cat’s health. Our recipes are designed to be a genuine suggestion for any owner who wants their pet to thrive. We focused on a formula that is:
- A complete balanced meal, not just a snack or top up.
- High in Protein: Each bag contains 35% protein to fuel strength and playfulness.
- Packed with Vitamins: We include Vitamins A, D, and E to boost immunity and inner vitality.
- Rich in Omegas: Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids are included to keep hearts, coats, and joints healthy.
- Grain and Soy Free: We remove these common fillers to make room for more high-quality ingredients.
This clean dry food diet ensures that even the most sensitive tummies are well cared for, just like we care for our own Hurayra cats at home.
Tuna Cat Food
Tender bites that build muscle and keep every meal exciting.
Get 2 x 900g bags that last for 2-4 weeks.
From £19.80
Chicken Cat Food
Balanced nutrition and flavour that never gets old.
Get 2 x 900g bags that last for 2 weeks.
From £19.80
Understanding Why Dry Food Is Great For Feline Health
During the development of the Hurayra Cat Food Story, we made a conscious choice to start with premium kibble. Many wet foods in pouches have an expiry date of two or three years, which often means they contain various chemicals to keep the food moist.
Aihtsham wanted to avoid these additives until he was completely satisfied with a wet food formula that met his high standards. Furthermore, dry food encourages your pet to drink fresh water, which is much more beneficial for their overall health than the processed gravy or jelly found in many wet food products.
Hearing From The Happy Families Using Our Food
Before we shared our creation with the world, we had to see real cats eating Hurayra to make sure it was delicious. Ivy and Coco were our first taste-testers and they gave it their enthusiastic approval. Since then, we have heard from many other “picky-eater parents” who are finally seeing their cats finish their bowls.
For example, a shy British Shorthair named Bubbles usually takes a long time to try new things but finished her whole bowl straight away. Another cat named Pablo eats every single meal without leaving anything behind, giving his owner peace of mind that he is getting a halal, high-protein diet.
Building A Legacy Of Care For Every Pet Parent
The Hurayra Cat Food Story is also about a concept called Sadaqah Jariyah, which is an act of voluntary charity that continues to benefit others. By providing a clean, ethical option, we are helping pet owners avoid products they are uncomfortable with while supporting the health of their furry friends.
We also care deeply about the planet our cats love to explore, so we use eco-friendly and recyclable packaging for all our products. Whether you have a playful kitten of four months or a senior cat, we want to make sure they have the vitality to live every moment to the fullest.
Why The Name Hurayra Matters
The name of our brand was suggested by Aihtsham’s family and holds a beautiful meaning. Abu Hurayrah was a famous companion of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), and his name literally means “father of a kitten” in Arabic. He was known for his deep love of cats, often feeding them in the streets and even inside the masjid.
By choosing this name, we wanted to honor that legacy of kindness and compassion toward animals. It is a name that resonates with many people who see their cats as a gift to be cherished and protected.
Choosing The Best For Your Furry Family
Every part of the Hurayra Cat Food Story has been built on transparency and love. We can trace every single step of our production process to ensure you receive the best product on the market. Our mission is to provide happy hearts and empty bowls for every home, ensuring that your pet stays strong and healthy for years to come.
If you are looking for a brand you can choose with your eyes closed, Hurayra is a wonderful choice that pet parents can trust. You can find us at Morrisons, Amazon, or through our own website with a convenient subscription service that delivers fresh food right to your door. Our recipes ensure clean and responsible sourcing of ingredients and are packed with 35% protein and essential nutrients to keep your cats full of life and joy.
Tuna and Chicken Combo
Balanced nutrition and flavour that never gets old.
Get 2 x 900g bags that last for 2 weeks.
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