Cat Nutrition in Ancient Egypt: Between Hunting, Domestication, and Sacralization
Cats played an essential role in ancient Egyptian society, both for their usefulness and their religious symbolism. Protecting granaries and homes from pests, they gradually earned a place of honor alongside humans. Their diet was therefore varied, consisting of instinctive hunting, food offered by the inhabitants, and, for some, a more refined diet in temples or aristocratic households. This article explores in depth the diet of cats at that time, examining the different food sources available and the associated feeding practices.
Hunting: A Natural Food Source
Before they were domesticated, Egyptian cats (originally Felis lybica, African wildcats) were primarily opportunistic hunters. Their diet consisted of prey they caught in the wild or around human dwellings.
Rodents: A Plentiful Feast
Egyptian granaries were prime targets for rodents such as:
Mice and rats, which fed on stocks of wheat and barley.
Gerbils and other small mammals, particularly numerous in agricultural areas.
The presence of these pests fostered the relationship between humans and cats. The Egyptians quickly realized that living alongside these felines helped reduce food losses.
Birds and Other Small Prey
In addition to rodents, Egyptian cats hunted birds such as:
Pigeons and doves, often found around homes.
Sparrows and other small passerines, easy to capture.
Nestlings and eggs, when they found accessible nests.
Scenes of cat hunting have been depicted in some tombs, highlighting the importance of this activity in their daily lives.
Reptiles and Insects
Among their less conventional prey, cats also fed on:
Crickets and grasshoppers, abundant sources of protein during the season.
Small reptiles, such as geckos and lizards, which are very common in arid areas.
Food Provided by Humans
Over time, the Egyptians began to feed the cats directly, strengthening their bond with them.
Food Remains
Egyptian households often fed cats leftovers from their meals, including:
Meat (poultry, lamb, and even game for the wealthiest).
Fish, an essential food in the Egyptian economy.
Pieces of bread dipped in milk, even though cats are naturally lactose intolerant.
Feeding Practices in Temples
Temples dedicated to Bastet, the feline goddess of protection and fertility, often housed colonies of cats fed by priests. They were offered:
Dried fish from the Nile.
Specially prepared foods, sometimes in the form of nutrient-rich patties.
The Impact of Sacralization on Their Diet
The veneration of cats as sacred beings also influenced their diet. Some were kept in luxurious conditions, especially those belonging to the wealthy classes or temples.
Aristocratic Cats: A Privileged Diet
In wealthy families' homes, cats were fed a more refined diet:
High-quality fish, occasionally grilled or salted.
Roasted meats, accompanied by herbs or fragrant oils.
Specially prepared foods, inspired by human food but adapted.
The Influence of Funeral Rites
Cats were occasionally mummified and buried with food offerings to accompany them into the afterlife. Analyses of cat mummies have revealed the presence of food remains in their stomachs, confirming that some were well fed before their death.
Conclusion: A Diet Adapted to Their Social Role
The diet of cats in ancient Egypt was a mixture of hunting instinct and gradual domestication. Those that lived in the wild subsisted on hunting rodents and birds, while those that were tamed in homes or temples were fed a diet that was either supplemented or provided entirely by humans.
The sanctification of cats, symbols of protection and benevolence, also played a key role in the evolution of their diet. Far from being mere pest hunters, they became nourished and respected companions, foreshadowing the relationship we have with them today.
Thus, cats in ancient Egypt were not just stray animals: their diet reflected their social status and unique place in a civilization that appreciated and honored them.
