Some interesting facts about Egyptian cats are fascinating and leave even the most skeptical people perplexed. Whether it’s due to history or facts about these animals, the truth is that they left their mark on Ancient Egypt. Therefore, it’s very interesting to learn about these cats and their behavior.
With this in mind, we will explain more about some customs and curiosities regarding cats , as well as talk about the Egyptians’ fascination with the species. Keep reading to find out more!
Cats were worshipped in Ancient Egypt
The Egyptian cat was revered for a variety of reasons. Although dogs were valued for their ability to protect and hunt, cats were considered the most special. This is because the Egyptians believed that cats were magical creatures, capable of bringing good luck to those who cared for them.
To honor these Egyptian cat gods , wealthy families would dress their felines in jewels and feed them royal treats. When the cats died, they were mummified. As a sign of mourning, their owners would shave off their eyebrows and continue to mourn until their eyebrows grew back.
It is possible to see that in the art of the time there were many statues and paintings with all types of felines. The cats of Ancient Egypt were so special that those who killed them, even by accident, were sentenced to death.
Interestingly, according to Egyptian mythology, gods and goddesses had the power to transform themselves into different animals. Only one deity, the goddess Bastet, who represented fertility, domesticity, music, dance and pleasure, had the power to become a cat.
Deity Bastet
All of Egypt’s cat worship began with the goddess Bastet. In order to worship her, the Egyptians created entire cemeteries of mummified domestic cats—often buried near their owners.
This feline goddess was beloved throughout most of Ancient Egypt’s history, and was one of the earliest Egyptian deities. In ancient Egyptian mythology, Bastet was one of several deities who held the title of the Eye of Ra. This indicated her abilities as the cat god of Egypt as a protector and avenger.
As the Egyptians actually domesticated their cats, making them valued members of the family, Bastet’s image became much softer. She became a goddess of family, fertility, and love.
Bastet and the relationship of Egyptian families with cats
The Egyptians began to consider the Egyptian cat an important and loving member of their families, treating it with as much respect and dignity as their own children.
Bastet was depicted as a woman with the slender, graceful head of a cat or often as a feline without human attributes. This in turn gave rise to the growing worship of cats in Ancient Egypt, as they were considered revered and sacred animals.
Cats of Egyptian origin
Now that you understand the meaning of the Egyptian cat , learn about the cats of Egyptian origin. Although there are not many, some feline breeds are originally Egyptian and carry with them all the glamour, passion and reverence that the species held in the time of Ancient Egypt.
More recent genetic studies show that all modern domestic felines are descendants of the Middle Eastern wildcat. The scientific name for this cat is Felis lybica .
Today, it is found in North Africa, the birthplace of modern civilization and ancient Egyptian territory. Thus, it can be summarized that cats have been part of human life since the beginning of their current society. The importance of Egypt in the development of today’s cats is undeniable.
Egyptian Mau: breed descended from cats from Egypt
The Egyptian Mau is an example of a modern-day Egyptian cat that descends from an ancient Egyptian cat. Historical records show a tomb dating back to approximately 1400 BC, with an image of a tabby cat carrying a duck to its Egyptian owner.
If this historic feline is indeed an Egyptian Mau, the breed could be considered the oldest of all domesticated felines. The cat is in excellent health — so much so that there are no reports of any diseases specific to the breed.
Abyssinian Cat: Egyptian Eyes
As its name suggests, the Abyssinian cat originated in Abyssinia. If you look for this country on the map, you will see that it does not exist. This is because today it has become Ethiopia, which in ancient history was a territory of Egypt.
The Abyssinian cat is a specimen of rare beauty. Its body is slender and its eyes appear to be outlined, as was the custom for the makeup of men and women in that mysterious era.
The Abyssinian is a very shy cat , whose meow sounds like the low sound of a bell. It is considered a medium-sized cat and weighs between 4 and 7.5 kg, with a very large musculature. It is, therefore, an excellent jumper.
Now you know the story of the Ancient Egyptian cat! If you are the guardian of one of these deities, visit the Petz store and buy the best treats, food, toys and beds that this demigod deserves and have good luck for the rest of his life!