VIDEO: Cat jumps on Imam during Ramadhan prayer

The cat was captured during a live broadcast of the prayers. [Sheikh Walid Mehsas, Facebook]

A video of a cat jumping on an Imam who was leading a nightly prayer, Taraweeh, in Bordj Bou Arreridj, Algeria has gone viral with close to 50,000 shares on Facebook in less than 24 hours.

The calico cat, with orange, black, and white fur was captured during a live broadcast in a fully packed mosque as Imam Walid Mehsas was leading the prayer held every evening during the holy month of Ramadhan.

In the video, the cat is seen jumping on the Muslim leader before climbing on his shoulders and settling there for close to a minute as the unfazed Imam continued leading the prayers, eyes closed.

The cat then brushed the imam's cheek with its tail and licked his face, before jumping off him seconds later.

The video was first shared by the official Facebook page of Sheikh Walid Mehsas and has been shared on various social media pages and captured even by leading international media stables.

According to Islam, cats are viewed as holy animals and are greatly admired for their cleanliness.

Facts about cats

One irrefutable fact about cats is they are good companions. So long as they have learnt to trust you, you can always depend on them to be there when you come back home after a long day. Depending on its breed, each cat has its own unique personality and behavior. There are those that will follow you everywhere you go and those that enjoy being in your presence but with no physical contact.

Research has found that cat owners end up feeling good because of serotonin. This hormone helps with feelings of well-being thus reducing stress related hormones-cortisol, leaving you feeling uplifted and happy.

Cats are stress free pets compared to others like dogs due to their independence. So, since you don't have to worry much about them, you will have less anxiety.

On top of having a positive calming effect you will find yourself in a general relaxed state every time you're around them. This will in turn reduce your chances of getting a stroke or heart disease.