Cats in ancient Egypt: they were not simply worshipped and respected, but seen as an earthly representation of their gods

Along with hieroglyphs, obelisks, cats also occupy a prominent place in ancient Egyptian art. Perhaps this kind of display best reflects the unique status of the animal among the people who lived along the Nile. Animals were initially accepted for their utility, and gradually became symbols of divinity and protection.

Julia Troche, adjunct at Missouri State University, told to History that, contrary to popular belief, ancient Egyptians generally did not worship any animal, not even cats. Rather, they viewed animals as majestic manifestations of their Gods. Moreover, based on the mummified cats discovered in the tombs, they also played an important role in the afterlife.

In some funerary texts they were represented with a dagger in their paws

The ancient Egyptians saw cats as mutually beneficial companions. They could go inside the house to cool off, and in return they destroyed rodents and dangerous animals like snakes and scorpions.

We can find out exactly how they lived among the people based on the paintings on the walls of the tombs. Here, we can see them mostly in everyday positions, such as resting under a chair, playing, sitting or chasing birds. In some funerary texts they are shown with daggers. In these they attack Apophis, the serpent deity, who threatens Ra, the sun god, at night. For example, a painting was discovered in the tomb of the ancient Egyptian scribe Nebamon. In this he stands on a reed boat throwing sticks to hunt birds, while his cat catches three birds. This painting is currently on display in the British Museum.

The connection continues beyond the grave: a separate industry has been built for cat mummification

After they kept a cat as a pet, they wanted to continue this life in the afterlife. “In their tombs, they depicted family, their greatest honors and awards, and the things they enjoyed doing. So if you can see cats in these paintings, it’s because of their importance. They were also depicted in the hope that they would continue with them in the afterlife.” – explained Julia Troche.

The presence of cats in tombs was not limited to paintings. According to the Carnegie Natural History Museum, cats were sometimes mummified and buried with their human companions. One of the reasons for this was that these cats could be used as burial goods. This meant that the deceased person could move into the mummified cat’s body in the afterlife.

The ancient Egyptians believed that their gods could take many forms, and over the centuries it became increasingly common for gods to take the form of animals, including cats. These deities could not only appear with the head of a cat, but also inhabit the body of a cat. This was one of the most significant reasons why they started mummifying these predators. In fact, they have created an entire industry related to their breeding and mummification.

Even then, the upper classes dictated the trends

As is usually the case with different civilizations and cultures, the ancient Egyptians also saw the royal families as the dictaters of fashion trends. In everything from food to clothing to felines, the people took inspiration from the ruling tastemakers.

The ancient Egyptians held cats in such high esteem because of the customs and preferences of their gods. But also because their rulers, the pharaohs, also kept cats. Members of the Egyptian ruling class dressed their pets in gold and let them eat off their plates. Although members of the lower classes could not afford to dress their cats in precious metals, but they also made and wore cat-like jewelry.

They were also symbols of fertility

In addition to appreciating kitties for their ability to keep rodents, snakes, and other pests out of their homes, they also understood that cats, regardless of size, are smart, fast, and strong.

Bastet was a goddess in the form of a lion. She as a warrior and protector kept away the enemies of the sun god Ra and also fought against diseases and epidemics. From this we can also see that the ancient Egyptians thought of cats more generally as protectors, but at the same time they also respected their wildness.

In ancient Egypt, cats had another type of power: fertility. “They are often depicted sitting under women’s chairs. This certainly suggests their relationship to women, and perhaps more broadly to fertility. This is probably due to the fact that cats usually have several kittens in one litter and it may also happen that they are from different fathers.”