Those Ancient Cats

Singi, moping

Hi. Joanna here.

  If you’ve been following along carefully you’ll remember I spun out, not one, but two postings on dogs and their collars, covering everything from paleolithic hunters with dogs on leashes to the spiked collars of shepherd dogs abiding in the Medieval fields.

My dog is pleased. My cat has been moping about the place, glaring at me in a mortally offended manner, so I’ve decided everybody is going to get a little posting about way way back cats.

House cats, in any historical and factual sense, didn’t wear collars much, so we aren't going to find many of them among plain old historical ancient cats, though we'll look. 

The oldest cats we know of were not exclusively kept as semi-feral mouse slaughterers. Some were beloved house pets.

The carefully interred remains of a human and a cat were found buried with seashells, polished stones, and other decorative artifacts in a 9,500-year-old grave site on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. This new find, from the Neolithic village of Shillourokambos, predates early Egyptian art depicting cats by 4,000 years or more.
     John Pickrell, National Geographic

I added this as a quote because one does not often get to mention the Neolithic village of Shillourokambos and I did not want to miss the chance.

Rah! Rah!

Early Egyptian cats get a lot of credit for being the avatar of the Egyptian god Bastet. Which is fine. I will not bring up Anubis, Horus, Babi, Sobek and a host of other Egyptian gods represented as their animal avatars because I do not want to be ambushed in a dark alley some night by hundreds of outraged tabbies.

The jackals, hawks, baboons, and crocodiles etc. have managed to get over themselves. The cats never will.

Tomb of Nebamun c 1400 BCE

Here’s an ancient Egyptian cat meeting a large snake. She seems dismayed.

My guess is, part of the duty of the ancient house cat was to play Rikki Tikki Tavi and keep the place free of deadly snakes. Obviously this is a cat rethinking her life choices.

Probably most Egyptian house kitties dealt with the odd lizard or vole or intrusive dragonfly and spent the rest of their time being spoiled rotten. (I go by current cat behavior.)

 

after 500 BCE

Here’s one of many paintings that show Fluffy or Tiddums or Snuggles sitting companionably under a chair. In this one, he's greedily devouring a fish.

 

Here, an Egyptian cat is out on a family expedition in the marshes to hunt game birds.

Go ahead and click on the picture for a close up.It's just lovely.

And here's a detail of the cat.

All a bit confusing but lots of action.

Just exactly how she’s doing that leap and capture is not made clear, but one can hear the panicked flurry of wings as birds tumble out of the reeds before her pounce.

 

 

 

Tomb of Ipuy 1295-1213 BCE

 

I have a somewhat disturbing image of an actual Egyptian cat in a collar, sitting under a chair. It looks as if it were made by a junior designer at Mattel, late on Friday, after a very long week.

So some house cats did have collars.

 

 

 

Prince Thutmose’s Cat (ca. 1400 BCE)

The image of a more beautiful cat, also collared, is carved onto its sarcophagus. I'm sorry not to find a better image. Again, click on the image to see it better.

The sticking up part is the tail because that is how Egyptians represented cat tails.

She was named Ta Mit, which means “female cat.” That’s not the most imaginative name but she must have been much beloved. Prince Thatmose ordered his Ta Mit a sarcophagus and engraved it with funeral texts to protect her in the afterlife.

Some cats in the most wealthy Egyptian houses were not the familiar Felis domestica who rules her modern household with a paw of iron.

Lions and cheetahs are often shown in procession, tamed and on leash, being offered as tribute to pharaohs. The nobles kept these wild cats as pets. We see them sitting by the pharaoh’s throne, prized and beautiful, living decorative fixtures. They were favored hunting animals.

(Did you know they did this in the Middle Ages, too? Hunted with exotic wild cats like cheetahs and whatever that spotted cat is? A leopard maybe? Jeesh.)

Egyptian cheetahs are shown going to battle, running beside the prince’s chariot, possibly making life difficult for foot soldiers on the opposing side.

 

 

Ancient Egyptians, though they do not seem to have put fancy collars on their domestic shorthairs, did know what a cat goddess wore in her semihuman incarnation.

Bastet 664–30 B.C

Here’s Bastet the Cat-Headed-Goddess wearing the latest in colorful Egyptian fashion.

Looks nice, I think.

 

 

 

 

When Bastet is represented as a cat, she sometimes it gets All The Collar. I don't think the temple cats were actually got up like this. A real cat would squirm out of that in ten seconds and stalk off in disgust.

Bastet was originally worshipped as a warrior goddess and depicted with a lion’s head. In what might be regarded as a demotion, she evolved to become the cat-headed goddess we know today.

I kinda like to think of a warrior goddess lurking within my plump Singi.

So. If my cat is an impatient, former lion goddess with a raucous voice, what’s yours like?

Comments

[Mary T]

I remember someone joking once that cats only allowed themselves to become domesticated because they could not open doors. However, thanks to YouTube I know that is not true. There are some pretty smart cats out there.

We have always had cats and dogs, but I am down to only one little kitty now. But she is the most affectionate cat I have ever had. Perfect for this time in my life as I have become increasingly house bound. She is almost like a dog in that she seems to know when I need a little loving. She jumps on my lap and reaches up and puts he paws on my cheeks as if to say "I'm here for you."

Interesting post Johanna.

[Kareni]

What an enjoyable post, Joanna. Thank you! I've never had a cat and, with a husband who is allergic to them, I don't expect I ever will. (He's also violently allergic to horses, so I can kiss any thought of a pony goodbye.) I particularly enjoyed your mention of a sotted cat ... hic!

[Mary Jo Putney]

Well, my Princess Flufferbella has the raucous voice (she has a meow and she knows how to use it!) and I think she had a touch of Warrior Princess, but she'll take down the enemy with charm and twisting around ankles. Five cats here, all very different. None of them want collars. *G*

[Sue McCormick]

Very much enjoyed this post. I think all cats have a touch of Bastet.

We have had cats on and off, all our lives, until a few years ago. When the last of our latest pair died, my husband said we were too old to care for them. The free kitties at the mall have been hard to resist, but he was correct. We would not have been giving our companion(s) a good life.

I am allergic (sensitive) to dogs, rather than to cats; very contrary of me.

[Maryellen Webber]

I rescued a feral cat family of 3. It was a gradual process, the most friendly male came inside first then was immediately neutered. Then his brother and finally their mama. I have always had cats in my life and would be lost without them! Sebastian, the most friendly, is so smart. I ask him if he's hungry and he walks to the cupboard where the canned food is and paws at the door!

[Donna H.]

We have been adopted by two cats this past winter, my hubby and me. Different as night and day but they came together. Cally is timid and quiet and female. Jade is pure black and a boy for sure - both are loving and Jade can be a delight but also a brat. We cannot keep a collar on him, he gets out of everyone we have put on him. Birds, mice and chipmunks are a trophy for him and he brings them home on a regular basis!

[Alison Y]

I love your humor. This post made me chuckle several times, and that is very welcome.
I love cats, grew up with them but, alas, my daughter was allergic. Now she has found a breed, "Siberian", and though very fluffy, are hypoallergenic. She has two of them and, as they are less than a year, they are still learning how to live in a family and their personalities are changing.
I do have a statue of a cat, similar to the last in your post, that was my mother's. However, it has no adornments except at Christmas, when I tie a red ribbon around its neck.

[Margaret]

I HATE CATS!!! I married a wonderful man (a cat lover) a hundred years ago and somehow almost immediately acquired two orphaned kitties. The cycle has repeated itself three times now, and in the interim, I have birthed and raised three passionate cat people. The current villains rule the day in terms of schedule, and one of them obstinately insists of late in curling up on my lap or chest towards bedtime when I really want two hands and space to hold a book. Even my beloved dog (not that I'm biased, mind you!), who outweighs the beasties by at least 45 pounds, is afraid to cross them and often sits stranded at the top or bottom of the staircase waiting for them to move or waits patiently until they are finished drinking from HIS water dish. nuff said.

[Karin]

I don't have any cats at the moment but I love reading about them!

[Margot]

I have known an assortment of cats with various behaviors as most of my family have cats in their homes. Two of mine were dominant, bossy and demanding (of treats) while others were purring, sweet and loving. I loved them all for their unique personalities. I love having a cat snuggle with me when I'm in a chair watching TV or reading and when they lump themselves against me when I am sleeping. It is nice to have a living creature in the house when I am alone and they do not demand too much from me.
I enjoyed this posting, Joanna, and the illustrations you added. Thank you!

[Annette N]

I have not lived with any cat for quite a few years. I believe they are absolutely wonderful. I have had hunters and one who was terrified of going outside. I have had lovers and some who only wanted what they wanted when they wanted it.

I have loved every one of them. And I thank you for this wonderful post and the pictures.

Your Songi looks a great deal like Killer. He was such a sweetie and he believed in giving love to anyone within his reach. His name was Killer because we wanted the dogs in the house to believe he was.

[Christina Courtenay]

I don't have any cats either but loved this post! There is a cat mummy at the British Museum in London which has always fascinated me - it's owner obviously spared no expense, just like Thutmoses. I can understand why they wouldn't want to wear a collar though - who would? :-)

[Mary M.]

My Sammy the Meezer (like Singi but not fluffy) has always been The Trickster. Just about every culture has had a Trickster in its lore, and I'm sure the Egyptians were no exception, though I don't know who theirs was. Sammy, now a senior boy, just knows if he stares at me hard enough, purrs loud enough, and leans all over my iPad, the treats will come. (If they don't, he moves on to knocking stuff off tables, sipping out of my water glass, etc.)

[Janice]

I am like Annette - I have had a succession of cats over the years - mostly black ones, all entirely different. As each one passed I felt like I had died a little bit as well. I have none now because nobody in my family would rehome them if something happened to me and I can't bear the idea of their going to a shelter. But oh, I miss them all so much!

[Joanne Bourne]

It's a problem as we get older -- keeping an animal when we might outlive it.

Hard. But you're doing the responsible thing, not taking a cat you may not be able to care for lifelong.

I have had several black cats. Lovely animals. I remember one long slinky one that was almost Egyptian in its slitherment

[Joanne Bourne]

The whole -- I will put my body between you and what you're working at -- thing is very catlike.
And, yes, it's the keyboard.

I can picture some ancient cat walking across the loom and getting in the way of the weaving or batting at the foot that's running the pottery wheel till one of my ancestors sighed and got up and spilled a little milk into a pan for the cat.

[Joanne Bourne]

My dog likes having a collar. Finds it reassuring, I think.

I'm not sure the cat even notices that she has a collar on. All that hair!
I comb around and under it when I'm brushing her.

But if I didn't have to keep her marked with my phone number when she roams out I wouldn't make her wear one. Like you, I'm big on freedom.

[Joanne Bourne]

My cat has always ruled the household dogs. No question who was in charge. The dogs have always been terrified of her.

I brought my current dog home for the first time and the cat jumped up high on top of the bookshelves and looked down with eyes that said,
"Die canine scum."

That established the relationship.

[Joanne Bourne]

Cats are a great comfort.

I put my cat to bed at night, (having taken her out of the dog's bed so the dog can go to sleep,)
and lay her on the coverlet
and she sleeps on my feet.

Unless I stick my foot out from under the covers
in which case she attacks it tooth and claw
which is disconcerting at 2 am.

[Joanne Bourne]

I hate being without a cat.

Fortunately, this doesn't happen to me very often. Somehow one always appears.

[Joanne Bourne]

We know who rules the household.

It is not the dog.
It isn't even the humans.
*g*

[Joanne Bourne]

Most of the Egyptian cat statues are unadorned. They're just simple and perfect in their grace and mystery.

I didn't know about the "Siberian" cats. I will have to keep an eye out for them. One of my own relatives is allergic to cats and I wouldn't mind making his life easier by getting a less allergenic cat.

[Joanne Bourne]

They say cats bring their kills home as a gesture of affection.
It's what mamma cats do to support their brood, so it may be your cat is "providing" for you.

My current cat, when young, was a great mouser and would lay five or six dead mice neatly in a row on the end of the rug every morning as an offering from the night's hunt.
(The cabin was very mouse-filled.)

She never ate mice.
She gave them to the dog to eat.

[Joanne Bourne]

It's a delight to me that house cats are so close to their wild roots.

Yes. I want to bring ferals in and care for them. They are so smart, among other things. But it's nice to know they can be competent on their own. Admirable of them.

[Joanne Bourne]

Well, I suppose somebody has to be allergic to dogs just to steady the cosmic balance or something.

You and your husband have made the right decision in resisting the lure of a new cat. It is a big responsibility.

I have sometimes taken care of a friend's cat when she travelled, going by her house to feed and play with it.

It worked out well for all of us.

[Joanne Bourne]

Nobody messes with a descendent of Bastet.

You're so lucky to have a little pack of cats. You get to see their social interactions.
I lived once in the midst of a local feral population and it was fascinating to get to know them all.

[Joanne Bourne]

(jo blushes)

I simply cannot proofread anything.
Thank you. I went back and fixed it.

The whole "taking your cheetah out hunting" thing strikes me as weird and counterproductive.

I mean, I wouldn't take my cat out and hunt mice with her.

[Joanne Bourne]

I'm always a little surprised when the dog and cat seek me out to be affectionate. The dog, lying next to me. The cat, stropping herself across my face and walking over the keyboard.

I never know why they're so nice.

[Alice]

I am currently catless which is alarming as I have had cats since age 7.I am in a new apartment and need to get qualified for a emotional support animal to have a cat again. I miss them so much. But as I am older, I am thinking of adopting a elderly cat instead of a kitten. This would work out for us both.

[Joanne Bourne]

This sounds like a wonderful idea. My own two animals are getting old and it makes a comfy fit. My cat has the gravitas of wisdom, I think.

There is special good karma for those who adopt an elderly cat.

[carolyn williams]

I don't have a cat at the moment, but hoping to be able to adopt a couple some time in the not too distant future. As fun as it is to watch kittens playing and to enjoy their antics, since we're older, more than likely we will look for older cats in need of a home and some loving care. What a wonderful article - I so enjoyed it!

[Joanne Bourne]

You are exactly and completely right.

I've let each of the kids have a kitten when they were young. Those kittens have been delightful. Wonderful.

But for myself it's been about adopting full grown cats that needed the refuge of our house and our care.

You're making the right choice.