The historical significance of cats in the ancient world varied greatly across different cultures. In Egypt, they were revered as divine protectors; in Mesopotamia, they were practical companions; in Persia, they symbolized nobility and grace. Greeks and Romans valued their utility but also appreciated their independence, while in China and Japan, they took on roles as guardians of fortune and tranquility. Norse and Celtic societies saw them as mystical animals tied to the natural and spiritual worlds.

In the article below, World History Edu takes an in-depth look at this diversity of perspectives on cats in the ancient world.

Cats in Ancient Egypt: The Divine Symbol of Protection

Ancient Egypt is perhaps the most renowned civilization in history for its admiration and reverence of cats. Known as miu or miut, cats were highly regarded in Egypt, symbolizing grace, poise, and divinity. They were initially domesticated to protect food stores from rodents, but over time, their symbolic significance grew tremendously.

Egyptians believed that cats embodied Bastet, the goddess of home, fertility, and protection, depicted as a lioness or a domestic cat. This feline goddess was particularly protective of pregnant women and children, which added a layer of sanctity to cats’ presence.

Cats also became symbols of wealth and status in Egyptian society. The penalty for harming or killing a cat, even accidentally, was often severe, as felines were sacred animals under the protection of the state. It was not unusual for Egyptians to shave their eyebrows as a sign of mourning when their household cat passed away.

Furthermore, mummification was common for deceased cats, reflecting the belief that their spirits should be honored and remembered. Cat cemeteries have been discovered in Egypt, most notably at Bubastis, the city devoted to the goddess Bastet. In these sacred cat burial grounds, thousands of mummified cats were interred in a sign of devotion to both the animal and the deity.

READ MORE: Differences between Bastet and Sekhmet in ancient Egyptian mythology

Cats in Ancient Mesopotamia: A Quiet Presence in Daily Life

Unlike Egypt, Mesopotamia did not deify cats, but they were still valued animals in this region, known for their usefulness in controlling pests. The fertile plains of Mesopotamia, home to civilizations like the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians, relied heavily on agriculture. Grain storage and urban density created a perfect habitat for rodents, and cats played a crucial role in protecting stored food.

In Mesopotamian art, cats rarely appear, as they lacked the sacred status they held in Egypt. However, their practicality earned them a place in households, often depicted in the background of social scenes or with their caretakers. Unlike dogs, which were often associated with deities such as Gula, the goddess of healing, cats did not acquire a similar divine status, possibly because they were introduced relatively late into the region and were more solitary by nature.

That said, Mesopotamians had a cautious respect for cats, believing that cats embodied certain mystical qualities and were endowed with spiritual independence. This appreciation was evident in some literary references where cats were admired for their stealth, agility, and hunting prowess, which indirectly lent them an aura of mystique.

READ MORE: Who were the 12 Most Famous Gods in Ancient Mesopotamia?

Cats in Ancient Persia: Protectors of the Palace and Symbols of Nobility

In Persia, cats were regarded as noble animals, and ownership was often limited to the aristocracy and royal families. Persian cats, known for their long fur and majestic bearing, were prized and became a symbol of sophistication and prestige. The Persian aristocracy treasured these cats as companions, particularly within the royal courts, and as protectors of granaries and palaces.

Additionally, Persia’s Zoroastrian tradition revered animals with protective roles, and though cats were not considered as holy as dogs, they were still respected as guardians against pests. Cats often appeared in Persian art and mythology, symbolizing watchfulness and refinement, and they were frequently shown in the company of royalty.

The expansion of Persian influence during the Achaemenid Empire helped spread the esteem of cats to other cultures, particularly through trade routes, where the Persian cat’s exotic features became highly desirable in other parts of the ancient world. Persians saw cats as an extension of the natural order’s elegance, a reflection of harmony and beauty.

Rulers of the Achaemenid Empire: From Cyrus the Great to Artaxerxes V

Cats in Ancient Greece: Foreign Curiosity and Practical Companions

The Greeks’ relationship with cats was less symbolic and more practical. Although ancient Greece was home to many animals that became popular pets, including birds and dogs, cats were relatively uncommon and only began to appear in Greece through Egyptian trade routes. For Greeks, cats were a curious and somewhat exotic animal, admired for their grace and hunting abilities but not imbued with any particular mythological or spiritual significance.

In fact, Greeks initially preferred domesticated weasels as rodent catchers rather than cats. However, as cats became more widely available, they began to appear as household animals, valued for their utility rather than as mystical creatures. Greek society, known for its philosophical explorations, respected the cat’s intelligence and independent nature, and cats were eventually embraced as household pets.

Cats were also occasionally depicted in Greek art, usually in the domestic sphere, either hunting mice or lounging at the feet of their owners. The playwright Aristophanes even mentioned cats in some of his works, indicating that while they were not widespread, they were beginning to make their presence felt in Greek households.

Cats in Ancient Rome: Guardians of the Home and Symbols of Freedom

Romans appreciated cats primarily for their utility, though they respected them as symbols of freedom and independence. They adopted the use of cats for pest control from the Greeks and Egyptians, but unlike the Egyptians, they never considered cats divine or mystical. Instead, Romans admired cats for their hunting skills and valued them as protectors of food stores, homes, and ships. Cats were often found on Roman merchant ships, where they served as rodent control, an essential role for long voyages with limited food supplies.

Cats became increasingly popular in Roman households, and by the height of the Roman Empire, they were associated with domestic comfort and security. Romans saw cats as symbols of liberty and independence, traits that aligned with their own cultural values of self-sufficiency. Unlike dogs, which symbolized loyalty, cats represented freedom from domination and autonomy, attributes Romans esteemed.

Moreover, cats appeared in Roman art, mosaics, and literature. Ovid, the famous Roman poet, referenced cats in his writings, and cats were often portrayed alongside other animals in frescoes and mosaics, highlighting their role in Roman daily life. Romans did not worship cats, but they certainly appreciated their distinctive qualities and valued them as protective members of the household.

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Cats in Ancient China: Guardians of Silkworms and Bearers of Luck

Cats in ancient China were both protectors and symbols of prosperity. Initially, they were likely introduced to China through trade along the Silk Road and quickly became useful animals for the Chinese. They were particularly valued for protecting silkworm farms from rodents. Silk production was a significant industry in ancient China, and cats became indispensable in safeguarding silkworms, which were susceptible to rat infestations. Thus, cats came to be appreciated as protective animals in Chinese society.

Chinese art and literature also reflected this perception. Cats were depicted in paintings alongside symbols of wealth and abundance, such as fish and flowers.

Over time, cats also took on a symbolic meaning, associated with good fortune and prosperity. This was in part due to their hunting prowess, which kept households safe from pests, but it also reflected Chinese philosophy, which saw animals as part of the natural order with distinct roles. Cats came to be seen as auspicious animals, believed to bring good luck to those who treated them well.

Chinese art and literature also reflected this perception. Cats were depicted in paintings alongside symbols of wealth and abundance, such as fish and flowers. Additionally, Buddhist monks in China viewed cats favorably for their calm nature and kept them as temple animals to prevent rodents from eating sacred scrolls.

Cats in Ancient Japan: Temple Guardians and Symbols of Balance

Japan’s relationship with cats closely mirrors that of China, though Japan developed a unique cultural interpretation of felines. Introduced via Chinese trade in the 6th century, cats were initially kept by Buddhist monks in Japan to protect manuscripts from being destroyed by rats. The calm and meditative nature of cats complemented the serene atmosphere of Japanese temples, leading to a close association between cats and spiritual tranquility.

Cats came to be seen as symbols of balance and good fortune in Japan, a perception influenced by Buddhist thought, which valued cats’ self-sufficiency and grace. By the Heian period (794–1185 AD), cats had gained popularity among Japanese nobility, particularly for their mysterious and elegant qualities, which resonated with Japanese aesthetics. Cats were often kept by aristocrats and depicted in art and poetry as companions representing refinement and beauty.

This period also saw the emergence of folklore involving cats, such as tales of the nekomata, a supernatural cat creature with a split tail that could perform magical deeds, both helpful and mischievous. These legends underscored the belief that cats held a unique place in the natural and spiritual worlds, embodying both earthly elegance and otherworldly power.

Cats in Norse and Celtic Cultures: Symbols of Fertility and Mysticism

Though less commonly associated with cats, Norse and Celtic societies had their own unique perceptions of these animals. In Norse mythology, cats were closely associated with Freyja, the goddess of love, fertility, and beauty. Freyja was depicted riding a chariot pulled by two large cats, possibly lynxes, which reflected her close connection to nature, protection, and fertility. Cats, therefore, held a sacred role among the Norse, as they were symbols of love, fertility, and nurturing.

The Celts also viewed cats as mystical animals, creatures that moved between the physical and spiritual realms. Cats were seen as guardians of the Otherworld, and they appear in Celtic folklore as guides or guardians in stories involving the supernatural. While there was no specific deity associated with cats in Celtic mythology, they were still respected and feared for their association with the mystical.

In both Norse and Celtic societies, cats were likely not common household pets as they were in Rome or Egypt. Instead, they were creatures of the wild or semi-domesticated animals respected for their hunting abilities and enigmatic presence. In Celtic art, cats are sometimes shown in elaborate knots and patterns, emphasizing their role in the spiritual landscape as symbols of mystery and independence.

Frequently asked questions

How long have cats shared human life, and what roles have they played in various cultures?

Cats have shared human life for thousands of years, often playing crucial roles across various cultures. They were initially valued for their hunting skills, which helped protect food supplies from pests. Their mysterious nature sometimes sparked mistrust, but cats consistently proved their worth and became symbols of protection, fertility, and independence in different societies.

Where were wild cats first domesticated, and what purpose did they initially serve?

Contrary to the belief that cats were first domesticated in Egypt, evidence suggests that wild cats were domesticated in Mesopotamia around 12,000 BCE. Mesopotamian farmers initially tamed them to control pests that were attracted to stored grain supplies.

What discovery in Cyprus supported early cat domestication, and why was it significant?

In 1983, archaeologists discovered a cat skeleton on the island of Cyprus dated to 9,500 BCE. Since Cyprus had no native cat population, the find indicated that settlers likely brought domesticated cats with them, reflecting an already established bond between humans and felines.

Why were cats highly revered in Ancient Egypt?

Egyptians regarded cats as sacred animals associated with the goddess Bastet, a deity symbolizing protection, fertility, and the home. Cats became so valued that Egyptians banned their export, and by 450 BCE, harming a cat was punishable by death.

How did the Persian army use cats in the Battle of Pelusium?

During the Battle of Pelusium in 525 BCE, Persian soldiers used cats as a psychological weapon. Knowing that Egyptians revered cats, Persians brought cats into battle, causing Egyptian soldiers to hesitate in fear of harming the animals, ultimately aiding Persia’s victory.

How were cats viewed in Ancient India, China, and Japan?

In India, cats were valued as pest controllers and featured in sacred literature and as the feline goddess Sastht. In China, they were protectors, associated with the goddess Li Shou, and believed to keep time through their eyes. In Japan, the maneki-neko or “beckoning cat” became a symbol of luck and protection, and cats were considered protectors of valuable books.

What role did cats play in Greek and Roman societies?

In Greek and Roman societies, cats were more appreciated for their hunting skills than spiritual significance. The Romans respected cats as symbols of independence and freedom, while the Greeks initially preferred weasels for pest control. Cats were seen as noble in Persia, where the Persian cat breed symbolized elegance and loyalty.

Why were cats viewed negatively in Medieval Europe?

In Medieval Europe, cats suffered a darker fate as they became associated with witchcraft and evil. In 1233, Pope Gregory IX issued the Vox in Rama bull, denouncing cats as demonic. This led to widespread killings of cats, contributing to an increase in rodent populations, which indirectly facilitated the spread of the Bubonic Plague.

How did the Enlightenment period change the status of cats?

During the Enlightenment, superstition was replaced by reason, and cats regained their status as cherished pets. Queen Victoria’s fondness for cats in the 19th century helped popularize them, and organized cat shows further solidified their place in society.

Which famous writers celebrated cats, contributing to their popularity?

Writers like Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, and Lewis Carroll celebrated cats, depicting them in literature and art. This contributed to the cat’s enduring popularity and helped solidify their place as beloved companions worldwide.