Cats in Egypt were probably domesticated by around 4000 BC from wild ancestors. Over the following centuries, they became popular household pets and are regularly shown in tomb paintings of family life. This volume draws on artistic and written sources to show how they became widely-esteemed and revered animals in Egypt.

Cats were just as favored in ancient Egypt as they are today. Egyptian paintings of domesticated cats date back 3,600 years, and animal cults included worship to the cat goddess Bastet. This AUC Press Nature Foldout explores wild and domestic cats of Egypt. - Each species described and illustrated, alongside examples of their natural prey in the wild - Map of Egypt describing the various habitats of wild cats, as well as locations of ancient Egyptian sites where the cat was worshiped and mummified - Noted appearances of felines in hieroglyphs and reliefs - Conservation efforts for threatened cat species

In 1250 B.C. the teenaged son of the Egyptian high priest sets off a series of harrowing events when he accidentally kills the sacred cat of Bubastes and, accompanied by his sister and two foreign slaves, embarks on a dangerous journey to find safe haven beyond the borders of Egypt.

Clearly written text offers an answer to the question of why ancient Egyptians mummified thousands and thousands of cats. An easy-to-understand introduction to ancient Egyptian history.

"Mummy Cat prowls his pyramid home, longing for his beloved owner. As he roams the tomb, lavish murals above his head display scenes of the cat with his young Egyptian queen. Hidden hieroglyphs deepen the tale and are explained in an informative author's note"--

Retells nine tales of ancient Egypt, including the story of Ra rising from the waters of the Nile to create the gods of the earth, sky, and rain.

Far from being pampered house cats, these feisty creatures roam freely through the streets of Cairo. They were so beloved in ancient days that they were portrayed in statues and, upon the death of a cat, a lavish funeral was held. Today, as the photographs display, the mystique of the cat lives on. During her seven-year stay in Cairo, Lorraine Chittock pursued cats throughout the city, taking intimate portraits of these wary inhabitants. The intriguing images and the fascinating introduction and quotes paired with them trace the timeless bond between people and cats in Cairo revealing the rhythm of life there, its joys, sorrows, and deep sense of religion.