Part One: What Kind of Cats Were in Ancient Egypt?
Ancient Egyptians were enamored with cats, to the extent that, when a family pet passed away, it was custom for the members of the household to shave their eyebrows in mourning. The admiration of cats in ancient Egypt is due to their role in keeping crops safe from rodents, as well as for their hunting and killing abilities. But what kind of cats lived in ancient Egypt?
Mummified cats have been found from the earliest days of the Egyptian dynasties. It’s believed that most of these mummified cats were domesticated animals, although there have been instances of mummified wild cats that domesticated cats were bred with. Of course, the domestic cats of ancient Egypt were members of one of three main species: Felis silvestris lybica, Felis silvestris catus, and Felis chaus.
The first of these species is also known as the African wildcat, and is the oldest ancestor of domesticated cats. They were first domesticated around 10,000 BC in the Near East. This species of cat is light brown in color and has a small stature, measuring in at just 10-15 inches in length. These cats typically lived in remote parts of the desert, away from human settlements.
The second species of cat found in ancient Egypt is the domesticated cat, also known as Felis silvestris catus. This species of cat was first domesticated around 5,000 BC in the Mediterranean. Domesticated cats are a lighter grey color and are much larger than their wildcat cousins, growing up to 17-20 inches in length. They typically lived in villages and towns close to humans, and were prized for their rodent-catching abilities.
The third species of cat found in ancient Egypt is the jungle cat, Felis chaus. This species is also known as the swamp cat, and has a dark gray coat of fur. Jungle cats are huge in comparison to their domestic cousins, growing up to 20-25 inches in length. To this day, they can be found living in swamps and marshes in Egypt.
So, although the domesticated cat was most common in ancient Egypt, there were a variety of other species present as well. All three species of cats were highly valued for their efficient rodent-catching ability. Additionally, the larger jungle cats were also admired for their impressive hunting skills.
Part Two : Cats as Mascots in Ancient Egypt
In ancient Egypt, cats were used as mascots for many purposes. In particular, they were ubiquitous in harvest festivals, where they would be carried around on the shoulders of priests. This was to symbolize the protection of the harvest by the gods, and cats were highly revered as such.
Additionally, large numbers of cats were also kept at temples, and were considered sacred animals. They were fed well and cared for, and any cats that succumbed to illness or old age were mummified in elaborate tombs or buried with great ceremony. Cats were viewed in this way because they were seen as protectors – both against rodents who might eat the grain, and against the evil gods.
Cats were also highly prized as hunting companions. Many types of wild cats, such as lynxes and caracals, were trained as hunting cats and used to track down large game. The most well-known of these hunting cats was the cheetah, which was native to Egypt and was highly valued by the pharaohs. This type of big game hunting was seen as an act of bravery, and often involved the sons of pharaohs accompanying their fathers on the hunt.
In addition to this, cats were also popular as household pets. Cats were known to be affectionate animals and were often seen as healing companions. In fact, cats were often used in healing rituals by ancient Egyptians who believed that contact with cats had the power to cure diseases. Cats were also seen as symbols of luck, and it was believed that the more cats living in a household, the greater the luck of those who lived there.
All in all, cats held a special place in the hearts of the ancient Egyptians. They were considered to be sacred animals, and were admired for their hunting and rodent-catching abilities. They were also kept as household pets and seen as symbols of luck.
Part Three : Cats in Ancient Egyptian Mythology
Cats also had an important place in the ancient Egyptian culture and mythology. There were many goddesses associated with cats and lions, and cats were seen as magical animals that could protect people from evil.
The goddess Bastet was the most well-known cat deity in ancient Egypt. She was often depicted as a woman with a cat’s head, and was seen as the goddess of love, fertility, and protection. She was often depicted with a lion’s mane, symbolizing her power and strength.
Cats were also associated with the goddess Sakhmet, who was seen as the goddess of war and vengeance. She was often depicted as a lioness or a woman with a lion’s head, which symbolized her power and ferocity. The ancient Egyptians often referred to her as the “Eye of Ra”, showing their admiration and respect for her.
Cats were also associated with the god Horus in ancient Egyptian mythology. Horus was the son of Isis and Osiris, and was seen as the god of the sky and the protector of Egypt. He was often depicted as a hawk or falcon-headed man, but sometimes he was depicted as a cat-headed man to symbolize his protection over the people.
Cats were also seen as the embodiment of the gods, and playing with cats was considered sacred in ancient Egypt. In fact, there were even festivals dedicated to cats in which people would bring their cats to the temple of Bastet to be honored.
Part Four : Cats in Ancient Egyptian Art
Cats were also featured prominently in ancient Egyptian art. Images of cats were common in Egyptian tombs, temples, and palaces. In some cases, cats were even shown sitting or standing on their hind legs, which was seen as a sign of respect for the animals.
The most famous example of cat art is the Great Sphinx of Giza. This statue depicts the head of a cat and the body of a lion, which was a common symbol of strength and protection in ancient Egypt. Cats were also featured in paintings and sculptures, often depicted in pairs or alone.
Cats were also represented in the hieroglyphic alphabet. In Egyptian hieroglyphics, the cat was represented by a sign that showed the animal’s head and body. This sign was used to represent the sound “m”, which was the sound cats made.
Cats also appeared in jewelry and various other objects found in ancient Egypt. It’s possible that some of these pieces were worn as a sign of protection from evil, while others were simply used as decorations.
In conclusion, cats were highly valued in ancient Egypt and were featured prominently in art, mythology, and religion. They were seen as sacred animals, and were admired for their hunting and rodent-catching abilities. Cats were also seen as symbols of luck, and playing with cats was considered a sacred activity.
Part Five : Ancient Cats in Popular Culture
In modern times, the cats of ancient Egypt continue to hold a special place in popular culture. They’ve been featured in films and television shows, such as The Mummy, The Cat From Outer Space, and Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore. They’ve also been featured in video games, such as Assassin’s Creed Origins and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.
Cats from ancient Egypt also feature in modern literature. For example, the novel Cat’s Eye by Margaret Atwood tells the story of a modern woman haunted by visions of a cat from ancient Egypt. Similarly, the novel The Cat Who Could Read Backwards by Lilian Jackson Braun tells the story of a detective who discovers a cats from ancient Egypt in an archaeological dig site.
Ancient cats are also popular in art and sculpture. Artworks depicting cats from ancient Egypt are often seen in museums, galleries, and private collections. Similarly, statues of cats from ancient Egypt have been created by many renowned sculptors, such as Michelangelo and Donatello.
Finally, cats from ancient Egypt are still popular pets today. These cats may not always look the same as their ancient counterparts, but their legacy still lives on. Whether you choose an African Wildcat, a Domestic Cat, or a Jungle Cat, owning a cat from ancient Egypt will bring you closer to the history, culture, and mythology of this great civilization.
Part Six : Cats in Ancient Egyptian Magic
Cats were also widely associated with magic in ancient Egypt. Magic was a major part of life for the ancient Egyptians, and cats were thought to have magical powers. In particular, it was believed that cats had the power to bring luck and ward off evil spirits.
Cats were also used in magical rituals such as divination. Ancient Egyptians would use cats to predict the future by interpreting the cat’s movements, vocalizations, and body language. Cats were also often used in dream interpretations – cats were believed to be the embodiment of the gods, and by interpreting their dreams, the gods could be consulted on important matters.
Cats were also believed to have the power to heal. Ancient Egyptians would use cats in healing rituals to cure diseases and illnesses. It was believed that simply touching a cat or looking into its eyes could have a healing effect.
Finally, cats were also associated with the practice of witchcraft. Cats were thought to be able to influence the forces of nature, such as wind, rain, and storms. Witches and sorcerers would often use cats as part of their spells and enchantment rituals.
Part Seven : Conclusion
As you can see, cats were highly revered and valued in ancient Egypt. They were seen as sacred animals with magical powers, and were admired for their hunting and rodent-catching abilities. They were also used in magical rituals and healing practices, and were commonly featured in art and literature.
Today, cats from ancient Egypt are still popular pets and beloved by many. They remain a symbol of luck and protection, and are admired for their unique beauty and grace. So, the next time you see a cat, take a moment to remember the cats of ancient Egypt, and all that they have brought us over the years.
