Welcome to the world of Egyptian cats! These majestic felines have a long history of being revered and respected in Egypt, with some even being worshipped as gods. From their sleek coats to their captivating eyes, it’s easy to see why Egyptians have been so enchanted by these cats for centuries.
The first known Egyptian cat was Mafdet, a cat-headed deity that was worshipped during the First Dynasty. She was believed to protect the pharaoh’s chambers from snakes, scorpions and evil spirits. Mafdet was often depicted with eiher a head of a leopard (Panthera pardus) or cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus).
The most famous Egyptian cat is Bastet, who was originally represented as a lioness but eventually became known as the goddess with a cat’s head. Her symbols included a sistrum and ointment jar as well as her sacred animal—the domestic cat. Bastet’s cult center was located at Bubastis, which remains one of Egypt’s most famous archaeological sites today.
When it comes to modern day cats, the Abyssinian is probably the breed that most closely resembles the sacred cats of ancient Egypt. They are slender cats with long tails and are thought to be descended from wild African cats that were brought into Egypt many centuries ago. The Abyssinian is also known for its intelligence and loyalty—making it an ideal companion for any home.
Whether you’re looking for an ancient god or modern feline friend, Egyptian cats can be both beautiful and fascinating creatures that bring joy and enrichment into your life. So if you’re looking for something special in your life—consider adopting an Egyptian Cat!
The Egyptian Cat: An Overview
The Egyptian cat is called Bastet, and she is a very important figure in Egypt’s religious history. She is often depicted as a woman with a cat’s head, holding an ankh and sistrum. Her main cult center was Bubastis, located in the Nile Delta region. She is typically associated with symbols such as the lioness, cat, ointment jar, sistrum and solar disk. Bastet was believed to be responsible for protecting aainst contagious diseases and evil spirits, bringing good luck to homes and providing protection from harm. She also represented fertility and motherhood due to her association with cats – cats were considered sacred animals in Ancient Egypt.
Source: commons.wikimedia.org
The Egyptian Breed of Cat
The Egyptian breed of cat is the Abyssinian, a domestic breed that is thought to be of Egyptian origin. It has a lithe, slender body and long, tapering tail. Its coloration and markings are unique, with tawny or reddish fur and dark spots or stripes along its back. The Abyssinian has been considered to represent the sacred cats of ancient Egypt more closely than any other living cat. It is an affectionate and playful breed that loves attention from its owners and is known for its intelligence and loyalty.
The Sacred Cat of Egypt
The sacred cat of ancient Egypt is known as Mafdet, a feline goddess worshipped during the First Dynasty (c. 3000-2890 BCE). She was depicted with the head of either a leopard or cheetah and was thought to protect the pharaoh’s chambers from snakes, scorpions and other evil forces. Mafdet was particularly revered for her ability to kill snakes and was sometimes depicted with a knife in one paw and an animal in another. Her power over snakes made her an important part of funerary rituals and it was believed that she could protect the dead in their journey to the afterlife.
The Name of Cleopatra’s Cat
Cleopatra, the last Pharaoh of Egypt, is known to have kept cats as pets. According to some sources, the most famous cat she kept was a Maltese cat named Apollodorus. Apollodorus was believed to have been a gift from Marc Antony and was held in high regard by Cleopatra. The cat was often seen accompanying her and featured in many of her portraits. Apollodorus also had other cats that lived with him in Cleopatra’s palace, including tabby cats and Egyptian Maus.
Is Anubis a Cat?
No, Anubis is not a cat. Anubis was an ancient Egyptian god of the dead, represented as a jackal or a man with the head of a jackal. He was often associated with mummification and the afterlife in Egyptian mythology. The name Anubis is derived from the Ancient Egyptian word “Anpu” meaning “royal child”. In some instances, he was depicted as having the body of a man and the head of a black-and-golden striped jackal.
The Egyptian Cat Goddess: An Overview
The Egyptian cat goddess is Bastet, who was initially depicted as a lioness and then assumed the image of a cat or a feline-headed woman in the 2nd millennium BCE. She was a multi-faceted deity, embodying both nurturing and violent qualities, but her nurturing and motherly characteristics were more commonly emphasized. She was an important figure in ancient Egypt, celebrated in festivals and represented in artwork throughout the region. Her influence extended beyond Egypt, gaining followers in nearby cultures such as Greece and Rome.
The Cost of Egyptian Cats
Egyptian Mau cats are known for their beautiful, exotic looks, and as such they can be quite expensive. On average, you can expect to pay betwen $800 – $1,200 for an Egyptian Mau kitten. Of course, this price varies depending on the pattern and color of the cat as well as the quality of its breeding. Generally speaking, cats with more vibrant colors tend to cost a bit more than those with more muted tones. Breeding also plays a role in determining the cost of an Egyptian Mau kitten; cats that come from reputable breeders with documented pedigrees will naturally command higher prices than those from unknown sources.
The Pharaoh Cat: An Overview
The Pharaoh Cat, also known as the Egyptian Mau, is an ancient breed of cats that dates back to 1400 BC. This exotic breed is a naturally spotted cat, and is considered to be the only one of its kind. Pharaoh Cats have a distinct look that sets them apart from oher cats; they have a medium-sized body with large ears and copper eyes. They come in a variety of colors including silver, bronze, black and smoke.
Pharaoh Cats are known for their playful personalities, intelligence and loyalty. They are very social animals and enjoy being around other cats and people alike. They are also quite adept at hunting small game such as mice or birds. Pharaoh Cats need plenty of playtime and socialization in order to stay healthy and happy.
Overall, the Pharaoh Cat is an amazing breed that has been around for centuries and continues to capture hearts around the world!
The Origins of Tabby Cats
Yes, tabby cats are believed to have originated in ancient Egypt. The tabby coat pattern is one of the oldest and most common coat colours in cats, and was first spotted on cats living in ancient Egypt. This pattern features a combination of stripes, swirls, spots, or dots and is often seen in cats of mixed ancestry. Tabby cats were also popular among royal families and were kept as pets in the Middle Ages.
Symbolic Meaning of Black Cats in Ancient Egypt
In ancient Egypt, black cats were considered to be a symbol of fertility and good luck. They were oftn associated with the goddess Bastet, who was the goddess of protection and joy. Cats were also seen as symbols of grace, cleverness, and love. It is said that Pharaohs would often gift their families with black cats for protection against bad luck. Black cats were thought to ward off evil spirits, protect households from illness and bring good luck to those who owned them. They were also revered for their intelligence and hunting skills, as they helped keep the rodent population down in homes and farms. In addition to being seen as a symbol of good luck, black cats were also believed to be guardians of the underworld. Thus they enjoyed a special status in Egyptian culture and were treated with respect by all who encountered them.
The Origin of Cats: Is Egypt the Source?
The origins of the domestic cat can be traced back to the Near East and ancient Egypt. Archaeological evidence suggests that cats were first domesticated by early farmers some 10,000 years ago. It is believed that wild cats living in the area were attracted to the grain stored by the early farmers and, over time, became less fearful of humans and began to integrate into human settlements.
This relationship between humans and cats eventually resulted in a process known as domestication, where a species adapts its behavior to live in association with humans. It is likely that these early domesticated cats originated in ancient Egypt, as they were a popular animal within Egyptian society. They were used for pest control, mummified as offerings to their gods, and even depicted in art across various periods of ancient Egyptian history.
In addition to this cultural evidence, DNA analysis has revealed that the most common ancestor of today’s domestic cats was an African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica), which was native to the deserts around Egypt. This suggests that Egyptians had already begun domesticating cats at lest 4,000 years before other parts of the world started doing so.
Overall, it is clear that cats did originate in Egypt many thousands of years ago and have since become one of humanity’s most beloved companions.
Pharaohs’ Attitude Towards Cats
Egyptian Pharaohs viewed cats as sacred animals, often seeing them as a symbol of royalty and protection. As such, they venerated the creatures by giving them many different names. The most common name used was Miu or Miut, which is derived from the ancient Egyptian word meaning “cat”. Other names included Mau, Mau-Mau, or Maut-Mautu, which also mean cat or kitten in ancient Egyptian. Pharaohs also called cats Bastet (which means “daughter of the goddess Isis”), Sakhmet (which means “the powerful one”), and Sekhmet (which means “the mighty one”). Some pharaohs even gave thir cats royal titles such as Khenti-Amentiu (meaning “foremost of the westerners”) and Ra-Kha-Mut (meaning “Ra’s great cat”). As a result of their reverence for cats, the ancient Egyptians named or nicknamed their children after felines too – for example Mitt for girls which is derived from Miut meaning cat.
The Meaning of a Black Cat in Egypt
In Egypt, a black cat is often referred to as a “mau” or a “miu”. This term has its roots in ancient Egyptian mythology, in which it was believed that cats were sacred animals. The goddess Bastet was often depicted with the head of a black cat and was thought to bring good luck and protection to those who worshipped her. The word “miu” is also derived from the ancient Egyptian word for cat, “miw”. This term is still used today by many Egyptians when referring to a black cat.
Source: history.com
The Existence of a Cat God
Yes, there is a cat god! In Ancient Egypt, Bastet was the most famous and widely-recognized cat goddess. She was associated with protection, fertility, and the home. As depicted in her statues, she had the head of a cat and the body of a woman. She was also known as Ubasti or Bast. Other cultures have their own versions of cat gods too — for example, in Japan there is Maneki-neko, the “beckoning cat” which is thought to bring good luck.
Conclusion
The Egyptian cat is an ancient breed of domestic cat that can be traced back to the time of the Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt. It is believed to have originated in the region of Abyssinia and is thought to have been a favorite pet of the Pharaohs. The Egyptian Mau is a lithe, slender-legged cat with a long, tapering tail and has been compared to the sacred cats of Ancient Egypt. They are also known for their intelligence and loyalty, making them an ideal pet for any household. The Egyptian Mau also has its own distinct breed standards set by both The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) and FIFe, whch helps ensure that they are kept healthy and happy. All in all, the Egyptian cat is an incredible breed that has stood the test of time and continues to bring joy to households all over the world.
