Cats in Ancient Egypt

Cats have played an important role in the history and culture of Egypt for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians were among the first people to domesticate cats, and they were revered as sacred animals.

Cats were seen as guardians of the home and were thought to have the power to ward off evil spirits. They were also associated with various deities, including Bastet, the goddess of fertility, love, and joy, who was often depicted as a cat or a woman with a cat's head.

In ancient Egypt, cats were so highly regarded that killing one was punishable by death. When a cat died, its owners would shave their eyebrows as a sign of mourning and the cat would be mummified and buried with great ceremony.

There are also many stories and legends about cats in ancient Egypt. One of the most famous is the story of the cat goddess Bastet, who is said to have protected her followers from evil spirits and disease. Another story tells of a cat named Mau who saved the life of her owner by catching a poisonous snake.

Today, cats continue to be an important part of Egyptian culture. They are often seen roaming the streets and alleys of cities like Cairo and are generally well-tolerated by the local population. Many Egyptians also keep cats as pets and consider them to be a beloved member of the family.