Floppycats
Our furry friends were considered sacred animals in ancient Egypt. They were connected with the goddess Bastet, who was the goddess of home, fertility, and domesticity. Bastet was often depicted as a lioness or a woman with the head of a lioness or domestic cat. This connection elevated cats to a divine status in Egyptian society.
Protecting the Home
In ancient Egypt, cats were more than just fluffy cuddle buddies. Cats were believed to protect homes from evil spirits and vermin. Their presence in households was thought to bring good luck and ward off malevolent forces. Egyptians kept cats not only for their companionship but also for their protective qualities.
Think twice before harming a cat in ancient Egypt. It wasn’t just frowned upon; they took “cat person” to a whole new level. The penalty for harming or killing a cat in ancient Egypt was severe. Violators could face the death penalty or heavy fines. This strict punishment underscores the high regard in which cats were held.
Feline Healer
Broken bones? Cat purrs to the rescue! Cats were thought to possess magical healing powers. Egyptians believed that the purring vibrations of a cat could help heal various ailments, including bone fractures and internal injuries. Cats were often kept in homes to aid in recovery from illnesses.
Cat Cemeteries
To honor their beloved feline companions, Egyptians established elaborate cat cemeteries. Imagine ornate tombs filled with mummified cats and mini cat coffins. It’s proof of how seriously Egyptians took their feline companions. In 1890, during an archaeological excavation, an ancient cat cemetery was unearthed. It contained the burial remains of over 170,000 cats.