The Ancient Egyptians' Love of Cats

What potentially stemmed as an appreciation of their rodent-catching techniques eventually shifted into an adoration and recognition of cats as sacred creatures. One thing can be confirmed: the Ancient Egyptians adored cats.

Saqqara is around 4,500 years old, and the tomb holds multiple of mummified cats and statues. The Egyptians came to despise rodents who ruined their farming and agricultural trade. These rats brought wild cats. The people came to protect and appreciate the cats that because they allowed their fields to stay rodent-free and successful.

Cats are also depicted in many sources as their helpers for bird hunting and as pets. Buried in human graves, it is apparent that the cat's role in the family was significant. At some points in time, the killing of a cat could have been considered a capital offense and resulted in a severe punishment for the offender.

"The almost-supernatural grace, stealth, and night vision of cats were highly admired and might have helped them morph into truly sacred animals in the eyes of ancient Egyptians"James MacDonald states.

Source: https://daily.jstor.org/why-ancient-egyptians-loved-cats-so-much/