As cat lovers, most of us feel a deep sense of connection with our cats. Even Science has now shown us that petting a cat, or just simply being around one, can lower blood pressure and cortisol because of the calming effect of their presence and the soothing rhythm of their purring. I know for me at least, that after a stressful day, there's nothing that relaxes me more than to cuddle up with my cats on the couch.
But It isn't just us modern folks that have discovered a love for cats. Throughout history, cats have captivated humans, not just as companions but as enigmatic creatures with a profound connection to the spiritual and mystical. Across cultures and centuries, they’ve been revered as protectors, guides, and even guardians of the soul. I have always been absolutely fascinated by the history and domestication of cats, and can read for hours endlessly on the topic. I'm about the show you why in this blog, as we travel back through time and explore how cats earned their place as mystical beings in our collective history.
Ancient Egypt: Divine Protectors
In Ancient Egypt, cats were more than pets—they were sacred beings. The goddess Bastet, depicted with the head of a lioness or domestic cat, symbolized protection, fertility, and home.
Cats were believed to protect homes from evil spirits and physical threats, such as disease-bearing vermin. Families often kept them close, seeing them as guardians not just of their homes but of their souls as well. Many cats were mummified and buried with their owners to protect them in the afterlife. Households would deeply mourn the death of a cat, often shaving their eyebrows as a sign of grief, and wealthier cat lovers even adorned their mummies with gold leaf to show devotion to the gods.
Goddess Bastet Statue
Mummified Cat from our visit to Liverpool Museum - 332 BC - AD 200
Norse Mythology: Cats and the Goddess of Love
In Norse mythology, cats were associated with Freyja, the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. Freyja’s chariot was said to be pulled by two large cats, gifted to her by Thor. Farmers would leave offerings to cats in Freyja’s honour, hoping to ensure a bountiful harvest.
Cats were liked and highly valued by the Vikings, not just for their companionship and connection to Norse Mythology, but for their ability to control rodent populations, especially on ships and in area's that stored food. For this reason cats would often travel with Vikings on their ships to protect provisions during long voyages, this is also in part how domestic cats were spread to new regions across the British Isles and Europe during that time.
A depiction of Freyja and her two Giant Cats Bygul and Trjegul
A Viking and feline companion
Japanese Culture: Beckoning Fortune
In Japan, the maneki-neko or “beckoning cat” is a common talisman thought to bring good luck and prosperity. These iconic figures, often seen in shops and homes, date back to the Edo period.
Beyond luck, cats in Japanese folklore were believed to possess supernatural abilities, like the power to ward off evil spirits or even shapeshift. Despite their mystical aura, they were also thought to be compassionate protectors of the soul.
Modern day Japan pioneered the concept of cat cafés, a perfect place where cat lovers can go to relax with a hot drink and lounge with some feline companions. The trend of course caught on, and you can now visit and enjoy cat cafe's all over the world.
A maneki-neko statue
Medieval Europe: From Reverence to Fear
During the Middle Ages, the perception of cats shifted dramatically. They became associated with witches and heresy, often seen as companions to those practicing magic. Black cats, in particular, were thought to be familiars—supernatural entities that assisted witches.
However, this fear became dominant over an older reverence for cats as protectors. Some believed cats could sense the presence of spirits, offering protection against malevolent forces. Even amidst persecution, their mystique as spiritual beings persisted.
A depiction of a black cat in Medieval Europe
Modern Connections: Cats as Spiritual Guides
Today, many people still see cats as spiritually significant. They’re believed to be attuned to energies and vibrations, and if you're a cat owner yourself you will I'm sure, have witnessed your cat having many 'a moment' where they will stop dead in their tracks, their eyes as wide as saucers, and appear to be looking into a realm we cannot see as mere human mortals. For this reason amongst others, many people believe that cats have a connection to spiritual worlds. Some say cats can sense when something is amiss, offering comfort or warning in their own subtle ways.
Cats have also become symbols of self-reliance and inner wisdom, reminding us to trust our instincts and embrace the unknown.
As for me, I believe that there are countless reasons why throughout history humans have enjoyed such a deep bonds with cats and still do today. Some of these connections are quite simply indefinable, but what I do know, is that whether they’re curled up by our side, quite literally changing our physiology with the relaxing vibration of their purrs, or silently watching over us, they definitely remind us that there’s more to the world than meets the eye.