In a nutshell: Egyptian cats were sacred in ancient times, linked to gods like Bastet, and live on today in breeds like the Egyptian Mau—discover their story!
Cats have purred their way through history, but nowhere are they as iconic as in ancient Egypt. Revered as protectors and divine symbols, Egyptian cats left paw prints on both culture and art, from mummified remains to temple statues. Today, their legacy thrives in modern breeds like the Egyptian Mau. In this deep dive, we’ll explore their sacred past, spotlight artifacts, showcase modern descendants, and share tips for cat lovers—all with stunning visuals to bring their story to life.
Cats in ancient Egypt: A sacred legacy
In ancient Egypt, cats were far more than mere companions—they were guardians of the divine and symbols of grace. Their story begins around 1980 BC, when they appeared in art and religious scenes, prized for hunting pests like snakes and rodents that plagued grain stores and homes. By the Middle Kingdom (circa 2050-1710 BC), their role grew beyond utility—cats became sacred, tied to deities like Bastet, the goddess of fertility, protection, and childbirth, often depicted with a cat’s head.
Egyptian cat statue
This reverence peaked in the New Kingdom (1550-1070 BC), where killing a cat—accidentally or not—was a capital offense, reflecting their near-divine status. Archaeological digs tell the tale: in 2018, Saqqara’s cat necropolis revealed over 100 gilded cat statues and mummies, while Bubastis, Bastet’s cult center, yielded pits of feline remains alongside bronze artifacts. Her festival there reportedly drew 700,000 revelers, who drank and danced in honor of the goddess and her feline kin.
Bronze cat statue
This bronze statue embodies their sanctity. Fun fact: During the Battle of Pelusium (525 BC), Persians allegedly exploited this devotion, releasing cats onto the battlefield—Egyptians surrendered rather than harm them! Even earlier evidence hints at domestication: a 9,500-year-old Cyprus grave held a cat buried with its human, suggesting a bond predating Egypt’s rise.
Modern Egyptian cat breeds: Living history
Today, Egyptian cats purr on in breeds like the Egyptian Mau, a spotted stunner with roots in Egypt’s street cats. In the 1950s, Princess Nathalie Troubetskoy, exiled in Italy, bred Maus from Cairo felines she’d rescued, bringing their ancient lineage to the West—recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association in 1977. Their vivid green eyes and natural spots (a rare trait) echo the agility of Bastet’s hunters. The Sphynx, though Canadian-born in 1966 from a hairless mutation, channels Egypt’s exotic allure, while the Abyssinian, with its slender frame and ticked coat, is often tied to Egypt aesthetically, though its origins are murky.
Here’s a comparison of these Egyptian-inspired breeds:
Three Egyptian breeds (Mau, Sphynx, Abyssinian)
The Mau’s speed (up to 30 mph!) and vocal nature mirror its wild roots, while the Sphynx’s warmth-seeking cuddles and the Abyssinian’s boundless curiosity add modern flair to Egypt’s feline legacy.
Your Pets Deserve More Than a Like. They Deserve a Community.
Your Pets Deserve More Than a Like. They Deserve a Community.
Caring for modern Egyptian breeds
Owning a Mau, Sphynx, or Abyssinian? Here’s how to keep them thriving:
- Egyptian Mau: Fuel their energy with high-protein kibble (vet-approved) and interactive toys like feather wands—they’re born chasers! Their short coat needs a weekly brush to stay sleek; watch for cold sensitivity in winter.
- Sphynx: Bathe weekly with gentle cat shampoo to manage skin oils—skip harsh soaps. Keep them warm with blankets or sweaters (65-75°F is ideal), and monitor for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a breed-specific heart risk.
- Abyssinian: Offer puzzle feeders to engage their curious minds; their ticked coat sheds lightly, so brush biweekly. Check ears for wax buildup, as they’re prone to it.
All three crave human interaction—daily play keeps them happy and healthy. For more, see our cat care guide.
Why cats mattered in ancient Egypt
Beyond pest control, cats symbolized cosmic order. In the Book of the Dead, a cat slays Apophis, the chaos serpent, aiding Ra’s daily victory—art often shows this under chairs in tomb paintings. Their mummification, sometimes in tiny coffins with gold jewelry, reflects profound devotion; some Egyptians shaved their eyebrows in mourning, per Herodotus. Greek historian Diodorus Siculus noted a Roman soldier was lynched in 60 BC for accidentally killing a cat—an extreme but telling reaction!
Ancient Egyptian figurines
Join the Petme community
Love Egyptian cats? Share your feline fascination on Petme, the ultimate pet social network. Create pet profiles for your Mau or Sphynx, swap stories about their ancient-inspired antics, and connect with cat lovers worldwide. Download the pet app at https://petme.social/ and let your cat reign supreme!
A gray cat in Egypt
FAQs: Your Egyptian cat questions answered
Why were cats worshipped in ancient Egypt?
They weren’t worshipped but revered as sacred to Bastet, protecting homes and symbolizing fertility.
What modern breeds come from Egypt?
The Egyptian Mau is a direct descendant; Sphynx and Abyssinian ties are cultural, not genetic.
How did Egyptians honor cats?
Via mummification, statues, and art—some shaved eyebrows in mourning when a cat died.
Are Egyptian Maus rare?
Yes, their natural spots make them one of the rarest pedigreed breeds.
Did Cleopatra have cats?
No hard evidence, but given her era (Ptolemaic, 69-30 BC), she likely kept them as status symbols.
How fast can an Egyptian Mau run?
Up to 30 mph—faster than Usain Bolt’s top speed (27 mph)!
Conclusion: From Bastet to your lap
Egyptian cats have journeyed from temple guardians to beloved companions, weaving history into every purr. From Bastet’s bronze likeness to the Mau’s lightning speed, their legacy spans millennia. This deep dive—packed with artifacts, breed insights, and care tips—shows why they remain feline royalty. Join Petme to share your cat’s story, whether it’s a Mau chasing shadows or a Sphynx hogging the blanket. Our pet social network connects you with a global cat crew—your feline could be the next star! 🐱
