What is the ruling on buying cats to help treat depression?

Scholars have differed on the ruling regarding buying and selling cats. The majority of them—including the imams of the four madhhabs—hold that it is not forbidden. A group of the Salaf disliked the sale, while others permitted it. Among the reasons for the disagreement are: the inconsistency of the narrations prohibiting it, interpreting the prohibition as applying to cats that offer no benefit, or that the prohibition stems from a lack of chivalry (muruwwah) and meanness of spirit, due to the ease of finding cats and the need for them. Some scholars lean towards the preponderance of prohibition, but if there is a real need for a cat that cannot be obtained except by purchasing it, then there is no harm in that. The questioner may follow the opinion of the majority in this matter, and this is not considered blameworthy pursuit of concessions (tattabu' al-rukhas). The mufti (definition) may offer the questioner a choice among the various opinions in matters of permissible disagreement.