A Cat's Life in Ancient Egypt

Cats have always been beautiful, mysterious creatures. Superstition and beliefs have even been built around them. Some cats live pretty cushy lives in today's society. They are often loved and treated as valuable family members by the people who live with and care for them. But in ancient Egypt cats were more than beloved family members. They were revered as demigods.

Cats were considered to be sacred animals by the people of ancient Egypt. The goddess Bast was their protector. She was depicted as having the head of a cat and the body of a woman. Cats were thought to be the physical manifestation of the goddess Bast.

Cats endeared themselves to the Egyptian people by keeping the vermin population under control. It didn't take long for cats to attain demigod status. They were held in high esteem among the Egyptian population. Gold statues were made of them and even feline festivities took place. All cats were considered the property of the Pharaohs. Felines were held in such high esteem that it was considered a felony to kill or injure a cat even by accident. It was a crime punishable by death. Cats were dearly loved family members that held an honored place in Egyptian life. When a cat died the whole household mourned. Cats were even given the dignity of mummification after death.

It was in ancient Egypt that cats learned to coexist with the human population. Cats were an integral part of Egyptian family life. Cats were considered a symbol of grace and poise. They were valued for their intelligence, resourcefulness and affectionate ways. Cats also grew in popularity due to their mysterious qualities. Some of that mystery could be attributed to the fact that cats eyes seemed to glow in the dark which added to their mystique. Cats were thought to bring good fortune, avert the evil eye and even heal. Female cats were praised for being good, attentive mothers to their offspring.