Carnegie Museum of Natural History

One of the Four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh

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Why Were Cats Mummified in Ancient Egypt?

mummified cats and x-rays of them

In ancient Egypt, cats were sacred animals. People dedicated mummified cats at the sanctuary of the cat goddess Bastet as offerings. The sanctuary was located in the city of Bubastis where the remains of numerous cat mummies and small cat sculptures have been found.

Cats were also pets, just like they are today, and were sometimes mummified and placed in tombs with their owners. The belief was that by placing cats and their owners in the same tomb the pair could remain together in the Afterlife.

mummified cats and x-rays of them

Pictured above are mummified cats and x-rays of them on display in Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s Walton Hall of Ancient Egypt.

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We may be known for our dinosaurs but…

ornate Egyptian coffin on display at the museum

We may be known for our dinosaurs but Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh’s collection actually began with Egypt. Purchased by Andrew Carnegie, the first object accessioned (acc. 1-1) is a Dynasty 21 Egyptian coffin that belonged to a chantress of Amun, who was probably a temple singer.

Before the coffin was sealed, a floral wreath made of woven leaves, grass, and flowers was placed across the mummy’s chest. Such wreaths are important in the study of ancient Egyptian flora.

(Photo by Josh Franzos) 

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Ancient Egyptian Cat Mummies

mummified cat and x-ray image on display
Mummified cat and x-ray image on display.

In ancient Egypt, cats were sacred animals. People dedicated mummified cats at the sanctuary of the cat goddess Bastet as offerings. The sanctuary was located in the city of Bubastis where the remains of numerous cat mummies and small cat sculptures have been found.

Cats were also pets, just like they are today, and were sometimes mummified and placed in tombs with their owners. The belief was that by placing cats and their owners in the same tomb the pair could remain together in the Afterlife.