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The good, bad, and ugly history of our relationships with cats
Going as far back as Ancient Egypt, cats have captured our attention. Humans either love or hate them with few people left feeling indifferent when they come into contact with these brilliant creatures.
Ancient Egyptians actually worshipped cats. They built tombs and included their feline friends to memorialize their passing. Egyptologists have discovered the mummified remains of cats in the tombs of pharaohs.
Egyptians held cats in high regard.
”Cats were seen as guardians of the home, ensuring safety and prosperity for those who welcomed them into their lives.”
Even back then, people and even nations capitalized on these beliefs.
Some cats were bred for the express purpose of being sold as cat mummies by priests and entrepreneurs who chose to profit off the beliefs of people who thought the mummified cats would go on to protect them in the afterlife.
The Persians knew the Egyptians wouldn’t risk harm to their beloved felines. They defeated the Egyptians in battle when they strategically placed cats on the battlefield ahead of the Persian army. They also painted caricatures of the Egyptian Goddess Bastet on their shields.
