Ancient Egypt
Cats Used as Symbols of Protection
Within ancient Egyptian times, cats were seen as physical protection from rodents, but also a major form of spiritual protection within their owners' lives. Within Egyptian times, gods were a quite usual form of understanding spirituality and feeling connected to a higher being. With cats being such a common pet at this time, people often related their furry friends to the symbolism of certain gods. Cats were often seen as protectors and would save homes from evil spirits that would attempt to enter a household. They were used as good luck charms, and the ownership of a feline played a role in status and spirituality. Because of this, the death of a cat was a serious thing, and cats were sometimes mummified after death, to help connect them to higher human beings within the period.
Cats in Daily Life
When it came to daily life, cats were seen as companions and protectors. Throughout history, cats have played a role in pest control and maintaining a space for their owners. With the strong primal instincts these felines have, the urge to hunt and protect is still prevalent in our world today with farm cats. Using cats for tasks such as killing pests within a more ancient time, allowed for the insurance of managed food supply. Due to the lack of technical advances with food storage, if mice and other small animals were not controlled, food supplies were common. Cats were seen as pets to their owners, but so much more than that as well. They played a key role in the responsibilities of the household and managed lots of situations.
Cats in Religion
In ancient Egyptian times, cats were seen as higher beings and symbols of protection. Within Egypt, many gods were worshiped, when relating to cats and the god that they were connected to, many saw them as the goddess Bastet. Bastet can be seen to be recognized as the goddess of a home, and the protection it provides. The image of this goddess that is most well-known is the goddess who had the head of a domestic cat.
