1. We learned yesterday that domesticated animals that do not resist capture or prefer to stay with their owner are not subject to the prohibition of trapping. The Rema writes (O.C. 316:12) that in this context, cats are not considered to be domesticated. However, this refers to cats that roam the streets (such as many of those in Israel), but a house cat or a pet dog, which are domesticated, are not subject to tzad since they usually want to be with their owner (R. Karelitz, quoted in Torat Hamelachot 5:118, 122).

2. For this reason, one may take a pet dog or cat and place them in a closed room or a cage on Shabbat, such as if guests come and one wishes to keep them out of the way. Since they are not subject to tzad at all, even trapping them in such a manner is permitted (ibid., Piskei Teshuvot 316:22, and many other poskim). Other pets, such as rabbits, may still be subject to trapping if they would prefer not to be in their cage and would escape if they were given the option to do so.

To sign up for the daily halacha via WhatsApp or email, click here.

Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for everlasting peace in Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.