For those of you who are interested in learning more about the convention itself, we recommend you check out our earlier publication, which covered everything from how it originated to what kinds of special activities and guests usually appear during it.
But today we’re delving even deeper into feline celebrations, starting with Ancient Egypt and one of the most important cat figures, the goddess Bastet. She had the head of a cat but the body of a woman, and was the deity of protection.
Tabbies played several roles in Egyptian society, from being seen as guardians of the home that brought protection and good fortune to the household to representing the powerful kings and gods. One of the reasons for their popularity was their dual nature. On one hand, they are obedient, protective, and nurturing, and on the other, they can be fierce and aggressive. Together, these qualities, along with loyalty and independence, are what paralleled them to deities.
They were not only associated with the divine but they were also bred and sacrificed to the gods. Cats were often mummified and buried in elaborate coffins that later were offered to temples as a sign of gratitude to the deities. One mummy from the National Museum of Natural History is in the shape of an elegantly seated feline. The mouser was tightly wrapped in linen, and its features were painted in black ink.
To honor these pets, wealthy families dressed them in jewels and fed them fancy treats. More interestingly, cat owners would often shave their eyebrows as a sign of mourning for a lost companion and grieve until they grow back.
The Egyptian Mau is believed to be a breed that directly connects the modern world to the ancient one. It’s distinguished by its grace, flexibility, and the unique spots that cover its coat. The word “Mau” means “cat” in ancient Egyptian, highlighting the historical and cultural significance of these animals.
Meanwhile, in Japan, cats are celebrated in the form of the “Maneki-Neko,” or the beckoning cat. In the Land of the Rising Sun, felines embody the symbols of good luck, prosperity, protection, and wealth. The iconic “Maneki-Neko” is often seen in shop windows and homes as a figurine with a raised paw and a koban coin, beckoning customers or wealth toward it.
Japanese folklore also tells stories of “Bakeneko” and “Nekomata,” mythical cat creatures with supernatural abilities that include shapeshifting. They are portrayed as protectors and tricksters, tormenting humans and creating chaos everywhere they go. Which, to this day, evokes a mysterious sense of beauty around cats in modern Japan.
In Turkey, cats are esteemed companions, celebrated for their grace and intelligence. Their role in Turkish homes surpasses the household pet name - they are protectors, confidants, and symbols of good luck. This respect for them is reflected in folklore and literature, where they appear as figures of wisdom combined with mystery and allure.
Among the various breeds that run around Turkey’s streets, the Van Cat is a kind of feline that captures the essence of this country's affection for them. It’s distinguished by its white fur and colored markings that only appear on the head and tail. Perhaps the most interesting characteristic is its infatuation with water. Known as “swimming cats,” they are great in water, adding more mystery to their behavior.
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