Ancient Egyptian Cats Meant for Gods Had Harsh Lives

More than 2,000 years ago, Egyptians offered cats to the gods, but a new study suggests these sacred animals led harsh lives. A collection of 131 ancient Egyptian cat skulls found in the Natural History Museum in Vienna was analyzed, revealing that over half of the skulls showed signs of disease or injury.

The cat skulls, which likely came from the Beni Hassan animal cemetery in the Nile Valley, were examined for signs of trauma and disease. The collection is the largest known museum collection of ancient Egyptian cat skulls with a documented origin.

At least seven of the skulls belonged to jungle cats, a larger wild species specifically caught for mummification. This discovery provides insight into the lives of these animals, which were destined to become votive mummies.

The researchers analyzed each skull, taking measurements and documenting signs of injury and disease. The high proportion of injuries and evidence of disease suggests that these cats lived in poor conditions, contrary to expectations.

## Why it matters The study's findings have significant implications for our understanding of ancient Egyptian culture and the treatment of animals. The fact that cats meant for the gods were not necessarily pampered challenges our assumptions about the lives of these sacred animals. The discovery also highlights the importance of preserving and studying ancient artifacts, such as the cat skulls, to gain a deeper understanding of the past.

Many animal mummies in the 19th century ended up being used for purposes such as medicine, fuel, and fertilizer, rather than being preserved for their historical significance. The remains of the rest of the body were likely discarded, as scientists at the time were mainly interested in the skulls.

The study's findings provide a unique glimpse into the lives of ancient Egyptian cats and highlight the need for further research into the treatment and welfare of animals in ancient cultures.