Since they first stepped into our lives, cats have not only entertained the humans they’ve lived alongside but also integrated themselves into our routines in many different ways.
This was particularly evident in ancient Egypt. From humble beginnings protecting food stores against vermin and providing companionship, Egyptian culture went on to connect cats with a range of feline deities, including Bastet. Cats were also considered good luck and became associated with qualities like fertility, love, protection, and power.
It’s worth noting that the Egyptian era lasted 3,000 years, and views likely changed dramatically over this time. However, experts can give us some idea of what life with cats was like in ancient Egypt.
When Did Cats First Appear in Egypt?
So, when did cats first appear in Egypt? “There’s some debate about this,” said Salima Ikram, Distinguished University Professor of Egyptology at the American University in Cairo. Despite this debate, Ikram went on to explain that cats were likely in Egypt by around 1900 BC, if not earlier. The first painting of a domestic cat in Egypt, where a cat is shown hunting a field rat, can be traced to around 1950 BC.
Research shows that cats had already lived alongside humans in other areas of the world well before this. In Cyprus, a combined cat and human burial site were dated as being from around 7500 BC — a whopping 9,500 years old! This predated Ancient Egypt by around 6,000 years, the latter having been founded in 3150 BC.
Despite this evidence showing cats and humans already living together in other locations, research suggests that cats were also independently domesticated in ancient Egypt.
What Role Did Cats Play in Daily Life for Ancient Egyptians?
In ancient Egypt, cats were the most efficient form of vermin control, explained Ikram. At the same time, they offered companionship to those who lived near them. Cats also played a role in “evoking feline deities.”
Ancient Egyptians kept cats as domestic pets, but feral cats likely lived on the periphery of society. However, historians don’t really have any information about whether feral cats were treated in the same way as domestic cats.
Ikram said that “if we are to believe Herodotus,” by the 5th Century, cats had legal protection. And while cats were beloved and spoiled, they weren’t necessarily revered.
How Did Cats Link to Death in Ancient Egypt?
Cats weren’t only beloved in life—they also had a role to play in death and the afterlife. Within Egyptian tombs, cats are depicted “under chairs or with people in the wild in the marsh,” says Ikram. Because of the cat’s association with the solar God Re, they were also connected to eternal life. “Re is the epitome of eternal life, as he rises and sets, thus representing rebirth and resurrection,” said Ikram.
Cats were often buried in tombs with their owners. “Particularly from the late period onward, cats were given as mummified offerings to Bastet, Pakhet, and feline deities,” said Ikram. The late period of ancient Egypt is considered to have lasted from 664-332 BC.
Mummification involves preparing a cat’s body with the same embalming process used to prepare human bodies for burial.
By placing mummified cats in tombs, it was believed that the cat would accompany their human companions into the afterlife. They were also used as offerings to feline deities in the hopes that they would invoke protection.
The link between cats and death is a cross-cultural phenomenon, and Egypt wasn’t the only place where this could be seen. In Siam, the birthplace of the Siamese breed, cats were seen as vessels of the soul after death. Wherever you go, it’s clear that many societies—ancient and modern—have a connection with felines for life (and beyond).
Were Cats Really Seen As Gods?
Cats themselves weren’t seen as Gods. However, they were associated with feline deities linked to domestic and big cats. “Cats were associated with beauty and motherhood,” said Ikram. These associations likely spawned from cats and mothers being “caring and fiercely protective,” she added.
The feline deities with whom cats had associations include:
- Bastet, who represented fertility
- Mafdet, a representative of justice
- Sekhmet, a goddess who symbolises power
- Pakhet, a guardian who represents protection
The best-known feline deity is Bastet, the ancient Egyptian goddess. In addition to representing fertility, Bastet was originally associated with warfare and protection. At this time, her original form was depicted as a lioness or a woman with the head of a lioness.
In later years she was depicted as a domestic cat and also represented household protection, family, nurturing, and love. Sakhmet also came to symbolise celebrations, dancing, and music.
It’s thought that this transition may represent the shift in perceptions of cats throughout different stages of ancient Egyptian society. As cats became more commonplace within ancient Egyptian households during the late period, Bastet’s depictions centred more around associations with nurturing and protective qualities.
Did the Pharaohs Have Cats?
Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs weren’t just royals. They were also thought to be semi-divine deities with an earthly connection to the Gods of Egypt. Pharaohs considered cats to be valued companions and likely kept cats with three purposes in mind:
- To clear vermin from the palaces
- As status symbols
- As beloved pets
These roles likely remained consistent throughout ancient Egypt’s different eras, demonstrating the strength of the connection between ancient Egyptians and their cats.
Which Cat Breeds Come from Egypt?
>Even though the rule of ancient Egypt is long gone, many modern cat breeds can trace their heritage back to this region. Here’s a brief rundown of the cat breeds with Egyptian connections.
Egyptian Mau
- Size: 3-5 kg
- Colours: Bronze, silver, and smoke
- Life expectancy: 9-13 years
Egyptian Mau cats can trace their heritage back to two Egyptian tabby cats. They’re an athletic, lithe breed who loves to jump and climb. These cats have a distinctive spotted tabby coat. Their temperament is easy-going and playful, making them a great choice for first-time cat owners.
Sphynx
- Size: 4-7 kg
- Colours: All colours acceptable
- Life expectancy: 13-14 years
Some ancient Egyptian artwork depicts hairless cats, so Sphynx cats are often associated with Egypt. Despite this, the breed was developed in Canada. These hairless cats are instantly recognisable. Sphynx cats are affectionate and bond extremely strongly with their owners, so they don’t enjoy being alone for long periods. They should remain indoors due to their sensitive skin and low tolerance to cold.
Nile Valley Egyptian Cat
- Size: Medium
- Colours: All colours
- Life expectancy: Not known
The Nile Valley Egyptian Cat is a rare, experimental breed, often found as feral cats on the streets of Egypt. Some experts think they’re a native version of the Egyptian Mau, and efforts are underway to preserve the breed through rehoming and educational outreach.
Abyssinian
- Size: 3-5 kg
- Colours: Blue, cinnamon, fawn, red, and ruddy
- Life expectancy: 9-13 years
>The Abyssinian is an extremely popular breed with an active, playful, and outgoing personality. They’re just as happy interacting with people as hanging out alone. The breed can trace its heritage back to the Nile Valley, but they were created in the UK using cats brought from Abyssinia.
Savannah
- Size: 4-7 kg
- Colours: Many colours are accepted, including tabby, silver, and smoke
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Savannah cats are a hybrid breed created by crossing domestic cats with the Serval, an African wildcat. They have a huge amount of energy and need plenty of opportunities for mental and physical stimulation. Unlike many other cat breeds, Savannah cats tend to enjoy water and love playing in sinks, ponds, or fish tanks!
Chausie
- Size: 5-11 kg
- Colours: Black, brown, and tan
- Life expectancy: 10-15 years
The Chausie breed was created by crossing Abyssinian cats with a jungle cat from Southeast Asia. These large cats enjoy human companionship and may develop separation anxiety if left at home alone. They love to climb and have a playful, outgoing personality.
Shirazi
- Size: Medium
- Colours: All colours
- Life expectancy: Not known
These fluffy cats are a mix of Persian and Egyptian Mau breeds. They have a similar coat colouring to Egyptian Maus but the longhaired coat of the Persian. This breed is often considered a “street cat” in its native Egypt.