The Cat in Ancient Egypt

Appreciated for its wiles and prowess, and loved for its gentle nature, the cat became a central figure in Ancient egpytian life, art, and religion.

The cat was a sacred and precious creature to the Ancient Egyptians. Placed high upon a pedestal, they were the ultimate pet; they were immortalized in art, worshipped as gods, and even mummified after death. They served practical purposes, and were beloved family members.

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The Domestication of the Cat

The Egyptians began domesticating cats sometime around 2000 B.C. A wild cat species that was native to Egypt (Felis chaus) was the likely creature that captivated the Egyptians with its charm and mystery, along with its ability to rid villages of the deadly snakes and pesky rodents that often ran amok. As the Egyptians grew to depend on the wild cats to hunt the pests, they would encourage them to stay in the villages by feeding them scraps.

Once the Egyptian cats grew accustomed to the human diet, there was little need for them to hunt in the wilds. This diet change was the first step in the taming of the wild cat. It slowly grew into a perfectly symbiotic relationship; cats could control the pests in the villages and in the crops, and they were fed and welcomed into homes as loving pets.

Cats in Egyptian Life

The Egyptians didn’t take long to show their gratitude and affinity for their perfect pet. As early as 1540 B.C., scenes painted on tomb walls depicted cats as active members of the family. They participated in daily activities including hunting, fishing, and relaxing with the lady of the house.

The image of the cat also could be found on many everyday objects used by the Egyptians. Cats appeared on gold bracelets, pendants, rings, and amulets. These trinkets often served as protective charms for the wearer. Cat image were also incorporated into hand mirrors, bowls, and formed into statuettes.

Beyond the practical and familial application of cats in Ancient Egypt, the creature was believed to hold magical and mysterious powers, and was revered accordingly. Egyptian mythology portrays cats as possessing mystical powers and great strength able to terrify entire armies of invaders.

The Cat in Egyptian Religion

In Egyptian mythology, cats were usually representations of goddesses who were powerful and protective. The first known feline goddess was Mafdet, who slaughtered a giant serpent with its bare paws.

There was also Bastet, who had the body of a woman and the head of a cat. Beloved by the Egyptians, Bastet gained strength from Ra (the sun god), and was known as a domestic deity who protected women, children, and house cats. She also protected the sunrise, dance, and fertility.

Another cat goddess, Sekmet, was the evil alter ego of Bastet. Portrayed with a lion head, Sekmet was the goddess of war and plague. After Ra eventually tamed her, Sekmet became a protective goddess. Together, Bastet and Sekmet represent the opposing forces of nature. Cats were protected from harm by law and could not be exported to other countries, in order to protect the purity of the population. So important was a cat to the Egyptian family, upon death it would have been mummified.