Why are there no cats in the Bible? A cat in Noah’s Ark?

“Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests” (Mt 8:20), there are dogs, cattle, pigs, but never a cat. This seems rather illogical, since in nearby Egypt cats were practically idolized.

Cat lovers may not understand why a cat is not the hero of at least a parable or a proverb?

Of course, few owners — especially temperamental house cats — would think of placing them among the choirs of angels or as an example to follow in a parable.

But somewhere near the apocalyptic Beast or even as the one who scratched Jesus because he wanted to grab the fringe of his garment, which had been touched earlier by a woman suffering from a hemorrhage, or the one who scratched the face of Saint Peter because he would not let him take the fish after a bountiful catch… that’s more likely.

But even here — in an environment that attracts cats — there is not a single mention of furry creatures.

The Hebrew Bible does not mention domestic cats. They appear only once in the extended translation of the Hebrew Bible into Greek, namely in the Septuagint (LXX). In the Letter of Jeremiah, or in our Book of Baruch 6:21, where it speaks of pagan gods, or rather their images, we can read:

“They are like a beam in a house; their innards, as they say, are eaten away, for the worms that come up out of the earth eat them up together with their garments, and they are not aware of it. Their faces are black with the smoke that rises from the temple.

Bats, swallows, and other birds fly upon their bodies and heads, and cats crawl upon them. From this you know that they are not gods; therefore do not be afraid of them” (Bar 6:19–22).

However, the Book of Baruch and the Letter of Jeremiah are late writings, written in the Hellenistic period, around the 3rd-2nd century BCE. But why only this one mention? And why added so late? It’s a complicated story. But what story related to cats isn’t complicated…

Meanwhile, in Egypt, cats were respected for their work, but also — let’s not kid ourselves — their personal charm. Those eyes, paws, tails and fur always made an impression on anthropoids. And so they quickly began to climb the career ladder. They reached the highest and fastest in the country on the Nile.

They were protected by law there. Causing the death of a cat (even unintentionally) was punishable by death. After the death of a cat, as a sign of mourning, the household members shaved their eyebrows.

The body of the pet was embalmed and placed in a special sarcophagus in a cat cemetery. Cats were surrounded by divine worship.

Because who could guard the grain better than a cat god? Besides, many cats, although they no longer guard even a grain of grain, still think that they deserve such worship.

It is likely that cats were domesticated in Israel even earlier than in Egypt, around 6500 BC. Cats must therefore have been known as pets in biblical times. Evidence for this can be found in images depicting women playing with animals resembling cats. Although it must be admitted that these images may also have another meaning and this is not the only possible interpretation.

Some say that evidence of cat domestication in Canaan is also found in… Noah’s Ark. In the 1980s, the remains of a large boat were found near Dogubayazit in Turkey. Dogubayazit is located about 20 km from Mount Ararat (Genesis 8:4), where, according to tradition, the ark landed after the flood. Among the remains, hair was also found that could have belonged to some feline. Anyone who has ever had a cat on their lap should not be surprised. Cat hair can be everywhere and it’s not easy to get rid of it. There’s always that one hairball somewhere.

That wouldn’t be as absurd as it may seem. We know very well the cat’s ability to squeeze into a suitcase when packing. So why wouldn’t one squeeze into the box or bag that Noah’s wife packed? But seriously. Noah was a farmer, he grew vines (Gen 9:20) and led a sedentary lifestyle. Maybe he already knew the benefits of having a cat hunter, a mouse killer?

Where does this aversion to cats in the Bible come from?

A Cat in Noah’s Ark?

The Bible is filled with a variety of animals that carry symbolic and literal importance. However, one notable absence often sparks curiosity — cats. Here is a deep dive into why cats are minimally mentioned in the Bible and if they found a place on Noah’s Ark.

1. Historical Context of Cats in Ancient Times

In biblical times, animals mentioned in scriptures often had a significant role in the daily lives of those cultures.

- Cats as Sacred Animals: In ancient Egypt, cats were considered sacred, which could explain their absence from Hebrew-centered texts, as the religious practices differed significantly.

- Utility Animals: Many animals mentioned in the Bible served a specific purpose, such as transportation or food, whereas cats didn’t contribute in ways that would be highlighted in scripture.

2. Cultural Symbolism and Beliefs

Understanding the cultural context of Biblical times helps explain the absence of certain animals.

- Biblical Symbolism: Animals in the Bible often symbolize virtues, vices, or divine messages. Cats did not fit into these symbolic narratives traditionally.

- Popularity in Egyptian Culture: Due to the Israelites’ historical separation from Egyptian customs, cats, seen as protective deities and mummified in Egypt, were less likely incorporated into biblical writings.

3. Lack of Translation or Manuscript Mentions

Cats might not be completely absent due to omission; instead, they could be present under different terms.

- Language Barriers: The Bible has gone through various translations. It’s possible that original texts that mention domestic animals didn’t specify cats distinctly, given the word for “cat” was not commonly used within early Hebrew, Greek, or Latin languages.

4. Cats on Noah’s Ark: Myth or Fact?

The story of Noah’s Ark features a comprehensive assembly of animals, which raises the question of whether cats made the cut.

- Implied Presence: While not explicitly mentioned, the concept of “all creatures” being brought onto the ark suggests the presence of domestic animals like cats.

- Focus on Larger Animals: Biblical narratives primarily emphasize animals with a broader economic and symbolic impact, leaving out domesticated pets like cats and dogs, unless serving particular purposes.

5. Interpretations and Modern Reflections

The minimal mention of cats offers a broader lesson on how animals are represented.

- Lessons on Interpretation: The Bible’s content is often interpreted through cultural and historical lenses. Current perspectives reflect a growing interest in what wasn’t traditionally included.

- Modern Symbolism: Today, cats have rich symbolism in Christian art and literature, representing independence, mystery, and grace, showcasing their evolving spiritual significance.

Conclusion

The scarcity of mentions of cats in the Bible is a reflection of historical contexts, cultural significance, and the focus of biblical narratives. While they may not be prominently highlighted, the consideration of their implied presence on Noah’s Ark enriches the understanding of biblical stories. For more insights on how different animals are portrayed in biblical literature, feel free to explore further historical and archaeological resources.

By understanding these nuances, we acknowledge not just the biblical text, but also the sociocultural dynamics that influenced its creation.