It has always been well-known that cats were

very important
in the
Maddie
McCadden
ancient Egyptian culture. But how much more is there to it?

ANIMALS IN HUMAN
CULTURE
Cats and Egyptian Culture

It has always been well-known that cats were very important in the ancient Egyptian
culture. Everyone realizes that ancient Egyptians saw cats as gods and worshipped them, but
theres so much more to it than that. Many know the basics of this, but not the details and
interesting points that have been made relating to this subject. Theres a lot to learn about this
culture and how cats relate to it, along with how it started.
It is believed that cats were domesticated around 2000 B.C. It started with a simple pest
problem. The Egyptians were constantly dealing with mice, rats, and snakes. Eventually, they
noticed that cats would hunt these pests. The Egyptians started to leave out food and bait for the
cat, so that they would return to the home and prey on the small animals. This worked out
perfectly on both sides. The people didnt have as much as problem with the mice, rats, and
snakes anymore, and the cats had a steady food source as well as protection from predators
Felines eventually became more to the Egyptians than just an animal that would hunt the
pests. They became a companion. The people eventually started to hunt with them, as there are
tomb paintings that show this occurring. Cats were also shown sitting with the mistress of the
house in these paintings. They also helped interpret dreams; it was believed that if you saw a cat
in a dream, you were going to have a good harvest that year.
Most importantly though, they were closely connected with gods and goddesses in the
Egyptian culture. They werent the only animal associated with gods, as crocodiles, hawks, and
cows were as well, they were just the most divine. Theres even evidence that the people
considered them to be demi-gods (a demi-god is the offspring of a mortal and a god). There are
several specific gods and goddesses that they were associated with, the most prominent being
Bast. She originally had the head of a lion or sand-cat, but it was not until later on that she was
closely associated with domesticated cats. She was seen as playful, graceful, affectionate,

cunning, and powerful, just like they perceived the cat. As Bast became more well-known and
seen as a goddess of greater power, so were cats. However, after a festival in celebration of her,
there was a prophecy that the city that the festival took place in would fall. Eventually the city
was taken over by Persians and the Bast cult was banned. Because of this ban, the cats werent
seen as divine or powerful as they were before.
Other cultures during this time may have seen this as something that was abnormal, as
worshipping cats does seem a bit odd. However, worshipping gods and goddesses and having a
religion like this wasnt too out of the blue during this time period. There could be too very
different sides on this.
The cats power and status was unbelievable. It reached the point where only the Pharaoh
could own one, as they were the only ones at a high enough status. All cats were under the
ownership of a Pharoah, and harming a cat had extreme punishments. At the peak of Basts
power in the culture, even accidentally killing a cat was punishable by death. However,
mummified cats were found and there was evidence that they were intentionally killed. The
mummified cats had severe trauma to the head and/or neck, but it is believed that this was
purposeful. They may have killed these cats to control the population, and that all the cats killed
were sacrificed to Bast. It was also illegal to export cats to any other country. This resulted in
something that essentially the ancient black market; cat smuggling. Armies would then be
dispatched to rescue the smuggled cat if it was discovered that this had occurred.
When a cat died, they were carefully preserved and mummified. The family would shave
their eyebrows in mourning. They would be mummified and buried with things such as mice,
rats, and milk. The cat would be wrapped in linen and then embalmed. After embalmment, they
would be treated with cedar oil and spices so that it wont have an unpleasant smell and will be

preserved. They were typically buried in a large city called Bubastis; however, tombs have been
found in Giza, Abydos, Denderah, and Beni Hasan. The tomb in Beni Hasan was discovered in
the late 1880s, with approximately 80,000 burials.
Besides the cats being important to the Egyptians, there were many physical changes for
them. They started to adapt to being cared for, instead of relying on themselves. They became
more colorful, as there was no longer the need for camouflage. Because of their change in diet
and physical activity levels, theyre bodies became smaller with a lesser muscle mass. Most
surprisingly, theyre brains decreased in size. This occurred because they werent fending for
themselves and had a reduction in survival instinct.
Not only did body changes occur, but new breeds resulted as well. There are two mains
breeds that are native to Egypt. These are the Jungle Cat (Felis chaus) and the African Wild Cat
(Felis sivestris lybica). The African Wild Cat was domesticated more often due to its calmer
personality. These two breeds then merged. This resulted in a breed that is similar to the Egyptian
Mau. It is also believed that almost all breeds can be traced back to Egypt.
Other cultures during this time may have seen this as something that was abnormal, as
worshipping cats does seem a bit odd. However, worshipping gods and goddesses and having a
religion like this wasnt too out of the blue during this time period. There could be too very
different sides on this.
Unfortunately, cats arent as famous now as they were before either. They are typically
homeless and have few comforts. The cats are typically feral, and are often scavenging for food.
Tourists occasionally help cats by giving them food and water. Very few people in Egypt even

own pets anymore. I predict that these ways will continue, as believing in gods and goddesses
isnt too common now.

Bibliography
1. "Cats in Ancient Egypt." Ancient Egypt Online:. Web. 22 Apr. 2016.
2. CNN. Cable News Network. Web. 22 Apr. 2016.
3. "The Dogs and Cats of Modern Egypt." Foster Dogs RSS. 2011. Web. 22 Apr. 2016.