However, there are also incredible wild cat species found in Egypt, such as the following: The Jungle cat (Felis chaus) is, as we have said, a wild cat species from which the Chausie has been bred. Their hybrid heritage is also responsible for Chausies being among the largest cat breeds in the world. It has special adaptations such as fur on its feet that allow it to walk in the sand, and can withstand the extreme hot and cold temperatures characteristic of deserts. The mummified animal was then placed in a cemetery near the temple. Hunting and trade of Jungle cats is prohibited in several countries under the CITES agreement[3]. Retrieved from, TICA. The two species eventually merged creating a new breed which was closely related to the modern Egyptian Mau. Ancient Egyptian cats had a sacred status in because of the religious beliefs of Egyptian society. They earned their status due to various reasons such as the killing of mice and various pests in addition to killing snakes. The Jungle cat is most prevalent in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. It inhabits foremost wetlands like swamps, littoral and riparian areas with dense vegetation. Egyptian Jungle Cat. Fur colour varies with subspecies, yellowish-grey to reddish-brown or tawny-grey, and is ticked with black. Both had smaller body sizes. Due to their divine relevance, there was not only a cat goddess, but cats were also honoured upon death through mummification. Egyptian Jungle Cat/Swamp Cat - Felis Rüppelii Prone to living in wetlands and forests, which are pretty rare in Egypt, these cats are mostly found in the Nile Delta region north of Cairo. While the jungle cat is common, it shows greater density in natural wetlands than near human habitations, and … Abyssinian cats are characterized by their cougar-like appearance, with a triangular head, wide ears and sandy coat color. The jungle cat is the largest remaining species of the wild cat genus Felis. African wildcats are an intelligent species and studies have suggested that they may, in fact, have domesticated themselves in places like Egypt[5]. (2017). For the most part, it is an Asian species of wild cat that lives by rivers and lakes. A bronze cat sculpture even shows the cat adorned with it’s own jewelery. Cats were considered a symbol of grace and were useful for their helpful services such as the killing of snakes and controlling vermin. Retrieved from. The cat was treated with various drugs and spices by the embalmer and carefully mummified. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T8541A50651884. Ancient Egyptian cats enjoyed a sacred status in the religion of this country and cat deities existed even before the formation of the Kingdom itself in 3100 BC. These two types are jungle cat and African wild cat. The Chausie is a large, statuesque, good natured domestic cat with the exotic looks and beauty of a Jungle Cat. Interestingly Mafdet probably translates as ‘runner’, and it’s possible she embodied a cheetah or jaguar. The Felis catus is somewhat larger than the Felis (silvestris) lybica, of robust physique, long legs and rather short tail. Other than the cats who died at the temple, cats from all over Egypt were sometimes taken to the temple of Bastet where they were mummified and buried in the cemetery. The earliest representation of a cat or lion in Egyptian religion was the fur-midable Mafdet, a cat-like deity associated with justice and execution. However, cat worship declined during the later period of ancient Egypt until the cult of Bastet was officially banned in 390 AD. The jungle cat (also known as a reed cat or swamp cat) is found across the Middle East, Asia, and southern China, and makes it into this list of African wild cats due to its occurrence in parts of Egypt. Wild cats range from lions, which often symbolize power, to swift leopards and cougars; the most unusual, however, is the South American jaguar, or jungle cat. Gray, T. N. E., et al. The name Abyssinian comes from the name for Ethiopia under British rule, Abyssinia. A grove of trees in the graveyard led the way to the interior which contained a large statue of Bastet. The Paleogenetics of Cat Dispersal in the Ancient World. The cult of the cat existed during the New Kingdom and a centre of worship was built for the cat goddess, Bastet. This cat is known as a predator-a hunter of small game-rather than a scavenger. They were popular because they kept away vermin, killed snakes and caused various other blessings for the people. The deity Mut was also depicted as a cat and in the company of a cat. In Egypt the nickname for the Jungle Cat is 'Reed Cat', due to the fact that the Jungle Cat makes his habitat near reed beds and the wetlands of several … Chausies are similar in appearance to Jungle cats. Cats in ancient Egypt were represented in social and religious practices of ancient Egypt for more than 3,000 years. There were two main breeds of cat native to Ancient Egypt. The two species eventually merged creating a new breed which was closely related to the modern Egyptian Mau. The cat goddess Bastet was quite popular and the temple of Bastet was erected in her honour which housed thousands of cats. People belonging to this cult travelled long distances every year for a pilgrimage to the Bubastis. If you want to know more about the evolution of the domestic cat, and its relation to cats in Ancient Egypt, take a look at our article on the history and evolution of cats. The jungle cat (Felis chaus) and the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica). Their mummified remains have been found in tombs throughout ancient Egypt. 11- In Egypt we can distinguish two types: The jungle cat (Felis catus), also called reed cat or swamp cat and the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica). Broadly speaking, ancient Egyptian cats can be classified into two main types. Cats in Ancient Egypt. They are currently listed as least concern in the IUCN Red List, but their populations are in sharp decline in countries like Egypt. Ottoni, C., et al. It has short yellow, ash or sandy fur, with dark stripes from the back to the tail. This cult was devoted to ancient Egyptian cats and the cat goddess Bastet. Keep reading to learn more about these unique breeds from the ancient home of cats! (2018). It can primarily be found in the swamps along the Nile River. The breed was developed to its current standards in the UK. The face is relatively slender. They are the only domestic cat that has naturally occurring spots, giving them an exotic appearance. Facts about Egyptian Cats 10: the diet. The breed first appeared in Egypt, where Jungle cats and domestic cats appear to have a record of mating that goes back several centuries. It was a common tradition to mummify the cats when they died in this empire. Mafdet was followed by Sekhmet, meaning strength and ferocity, a lion-headed goddess. There is only limited information about this elusive species, although it is known to occupy areas of Southwest and Central Asia as well as North Africa. Cats were domesticated in Egypt 5,700 years ago, according to recent study. The origins of the Abyssinian cat are still a mystery. Even tame cats, however, evidence signs of their wild ancestry, often hunting small prey. Cats were associated with … Both these traits that make it suited to becoming the first domestic cat. All these creatures threatened the grain stock of the Egyptian people and thus cats saved the people from hunger and starvation. Like the Abyssinian, these cats resemble cougars, although they are actually a hybrid between Jungle cats (Felis chaus) and domestic cats. As the two species interbred over time, a new species evolved that was a close relative of the modern-day Egyptian Mau. Like the African wildcats and domestic cats, the Jungle Cat has been mummified and placed in tombs in Ancient Egypt. As reeds and tall grasses are typical of its h… Videos related to Amazing Egyptian Cat Breeds, Click to attach a photo related to your comment, https://www.tica.org/breeds/breed-of-the-week?view=article&id=304:abyssinian-breed&catid=79, https://www.tica.org/breeds/browse-all-breeds?view=article&id=834:chausie-breed&catid=79, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/8540/50651463, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/8541/50651884, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-017-0139, http://cfa.org/breeds/breedscj/egyptianmau.aspx, http://cfa.org/Breeds/BreedsAB/Abyssinian/AbyssinianArticle.aspx, https://www.tica.org/breeds/browse-all-breeds?view=article&id=840:egyptian-mau-breed&catid=79, 8 Domestic Cat Breeds That Look Like Tigers, Types of German Shepherd - All Breed Variations, Orange Cat Breeds - Long Haired & Short Haired, TICA. (2018). The African wildcat and jungle cat were the two major cats, which occurred, in ancient Egyptian culture. They retain some of the hunting instincts of wild cats, but are affectionate and playful, developing strong bonds with humans. The goddess Bastet was the cat goddess which was originally a warlikeCat lioness but eventually became associated with domesticated cats. The jungle cat is native to a vast region spanning Southeast Asia, India, and the Middle East (Sunquist, 2002). The breed gets its name from the Jungle Cat's scientific name, felis chaus. These were the Jungle cat (Felis chaus) and the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica).Both look remarkably similar, differing more in temperament. Many cats were housed in the temple and enjoyed a sacred status. The name ‘Mau’ comes from the Egyptian name for cat, which also sounds like the meowing sound cats make. More about the Jungle Cat range, habitat and subspecies. An adult Chausie can weigh as much as 25 pounds, although 10 to 15 pounds is a more common top weight. IUCN Status: Least Concern. The jungle cat is the largest of the living Felis species. The Jungle Cat, (Felis chaus), is a successful and widespread wild cat. Don’t get into a race with an Egyptian Mau—it will … The latter had a calmer temperament and so was more commonly domesticated than its wilder relative. In fact, the most difficult of Egypt's true wild cats is the Felis silvestris (Wild Cat), because it is so similar to a large domestic tabby-type feral cats. However, they can be aloof and wary of strangers. The jaguar is quintessential in its grace, perseverance, beauty and strength. Sand cat (Felis margarita). My sighting of a jungle cat also happened during the day in Kanha Tiger Reserve in India. The tails of jungle cats are relatively short encompassed with several blac… If you want to read similar articles to Amazing Egyptian Cat Breeds, we recommend you visit our Comparisons category. Despite its name, the jungle cat inhabits wetlands with dense vegetation rather than jungles, camouflaged by its uniformly sandy, spotless fur. The African wildcat is a small species, weighing around 7 kilos. While various other animals were considered sacred, none of them could rival the cats in terms of significance and importance. It is also found in Egypt, and throughout southwest Asia, southeast Asia and Central Asia, extending its range as far as the south of … Chausies are similar in appearance to Jungle cats. Ancient Egyptian cats enjoyed a sacred status because of their utility as domesticated animals against various pests, mice, and snakes. Chausie cats are active, intelligent, and independent in nature. The latter had a calmer temperament and so was more commonly domesticated than its wilder relative. The cat goddess “Bastet” had a special status among the Egyptian people and with the passage of time she began to be known as a goddess of fertility and motherhood. Cats were worshipped by the Egyptian people for various reasons. Mummified remains of what appear to be cats have been found in Egypt, suggesting that they may have been among the first to be domesticated by Ancient Egyptians. This is where it is believed that the first specimens of the breed were brought to Britain from. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T8540A50651463. It has a small tuft on the ears, a comparatively short tail, and a distinct spinal crest. Interestingly, while the cats of the rich people enjoyed special status, cats of the common people were also carefully mummified. Trapping, snaring and poisoning have also caused population declines in many areas throughout their range. The Egyptian Mau is the most popular of all Egyptian cat breeds. The History of ancient Egyptian cats can be traced back well into pre-historic times. The breed first appeared in Egypt, where Jungle cats and domestic cats appear to have a record of mating that goes back several centuries[2]. However, in this AnimalWised article we are going to look at present-day Egyptian cat breeds, both domestic breeds and wild cat species. The temple was surrounded by a canal which gave it the look of an island. Although it is called a ‘Jungle’ cat, this adaptable species lives in wetlands, grasslands and shrubby forests in different parts of the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia including, of course, Egypt. The status of animals, other than cats, was important in ancient Egyptian religion. Most of these animals were cats, although there were other animals as well, such as dogs and foxes. Jungle cats are medium-sized wild cats. They are also very intelligent and make engaging and active companions. Retrieved on December 24, 2019, from. (2016). A statue of Bastet showing the appreciation given to cats in ancient Egypt. 2. The wildcat species is known for its sociable nature and for being a good hunter, its main prey being small mammals and rodents. These are the Jungle Cat (Felis chaus) and the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica). It is common in agricultural lands, such as fields of bean and sugarcane, across its range, and has often been sighted near human settlements. Browse all the additions to Legends and Chronicles. [4] Because of its long legs, short tail and tuft on the ears, the jungle cat resembles a small lynx. They are athletic, agile and known for being a very playful cat breed. These two types are jungle cat and African wild cat. The temple was considered one of the most beautiful temples in ancient Egypt. The distribution of jungle cat is largely oriental; it occurs in the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, central and Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka and in southern China. Thousands of pilgrims came to the temple every year. The Abyssinian. Retrieved on December 24, 2019, from, TICA. The noble appearance of this breed is similar to Ancient Egyptian statues, and, according to TICA, Abyssinians are one of the oldest cat breeds[1]. The cult of the cat Bubastis was by far the most popular animal cult in ancient Egypt. They are particularly recognizable by the small tufts of their ears. Egyptian mau breed. The current population of the species is difficult to assess, although the IUCN lists their status as least concern as of 2016[4]. Cats had attained sacred status even before the formation of the Egyptian Kingdom and after that the status was institutionalised. Jungle cat (Felis chaus). Nile Valley Egyptian Cat. A habitat generalist, the jungle cat inhabits places with adequate water and dense vegetation, such as swamps, wetlands, littoral and riparianareas, grasslands and shrub. This signified that cats were also domesticated outside of Egypt, and before its civilization even started. The primary diet of wild cats includes mice, rats, snakes and pests. So, for instance, the god Thoth was associated with the Baboon, and Taurt had the head of a hippopotamus and the claws of a lion. According to the DNA tests that have been carried out in the modern times, it is made clear that the cats belonged to a Wildcat subspecies of the Middle East and were domesticated around 10,000 BC. Egyptian Maus come in silver-grey, smoke or brown shades, with clear spots on the body and stripes on the tail and extremities. A statue of Bastet showing the appreciation given to cats in ancient Egypt. Chausie breed. Vertical bars are visible on the fur of kittens, which disappear in adult … As time went on and the two species merged, as well as both cats became accustomed to softer, human food, the species grew to become sleeker, less muscled, and much more tolerant. The jungle cat has a calmer temperament than its African counterpart and as a result, was domesticated more frequently. In ancient Egypt, there were two different primary breeds: one the fierce jungle cats, the other the more peaceful African wildcats. Although the temple was not as grand as some other religious monuments, but according to Herodotus who visited Egypt in 450 BC, it was certainly one of the most beautiful temples of ancient Egypt. However, Leopards and Cheetahs are both extremely rare and perhaps even extinct in Egypt, while the Sand Cat, Wild Cat … 1. Cats symbolically represented the guardian of the underworld. Abyssinian breed. The cats were mummified after death and were buried in the cemetery of the temple. HISTORY The Jungle Cat was tamed by ancient Egyptians to hunt wildfowl and has been featured in Egyptian art. Broadly speaking, ancient Egyptian cats can be classified into two main types. Felis chaus affinis - East Afghanistan, Indian subcontinent and Sri … Cat cults as a religious movement had existed for a long time, even during the New Kingdom, but it gained widespread importance upon the development of Bubastis, which was a grand centre of worship devoted to goddess Bastet. We all know that cats were revered in Ancient Egyptian civilization. So far, the three breeds we have looked at are the only recognized domestic Egyptian cat breeds. This interesting feline jungle cat is found in other parts of Africa, but Felis chaus nilotica is the subspecies that lives in Egypt. Based on the evidence gathered, there were two breeds of felines that were found around Egypt during those times. About the Egyptian mau. Facts about Egyptian Cats 9: the types of cats. Jungle cats were worshipped as guardians of the underworld by the ancient Egyptians. Middle Eastern species of cats were domesticated in Egypt about 10,000 years ago and while various other animals were also considered sacred, cats had a special status among those animals. Rich symbolism was associated with ancient Egyptian cats. Felis chaus chaus - Egypt and Middle East to Turkestan, Uzbekistan, Kazakstan and Afghanistan (riverine habitat). During the later kingdoms, even temples for animals were erected where specific animals were raised. The last recorded sighting of Sand cats in Egypt was in the 1980s and, although there have been alleged sightings since, these have not been confirmed. The Jungle cat, also known as a swamp cat is a medium-sized cat occurring from the Middle East, to South and Southeast Asia and southern China. Their head is narrow with a high domed forehead along with tall and rounded ears. Copyright - 2007 - 2020 - Legends and Chronicles, Viking Funerals Buriels and the Afterlife, Medieval Chronicles - Medieval history, information and facts. Size and Appearance: Similar in build to the Serval, the Jungle cat has long legs and a slender body. Jungle Cat (Felis chaus) SubspeciesUp to ten subspecies have been recognized in the past, however the last Felidae taxonomy revision in 2017 proposed three subspecies pending further research:. All cat breeds could, therefore, be considered originally Egyptian. The Chausie is another Egyptian cat breed, although it is a hybrid cat and not recognized by associations such as the CFA. Cats have been a friend to man throughout antiquity, beginning with the Egyptian society. They are elegant but highly athletic cats. Cats of both these types began to be domesticated during the Pre-dynastic Period. The Chausie is a big, athletic cat with tufted ears, high cheekbones, long legs, and a deep chest. The first hybrids of the jungle cat (Felis chaus) and the domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) may have been born in Egypt several thousand years ago. Several ancient Egyptian deities were depicted and sculptured with cat-like heads such as Mafdet, Bastet and Sekhmet, representing justice, fertility and power. Jungle Cats are widespread and common in some parts of their range, but in Egypt and many parts of Asia their populations are showing sharp declines. Making “a career of assas… They have a coat color that varies from sandy, greyish brown to tawny red with a slender body with underparts of cream and pale fur. Their legs are slender and long and occasionally retain faint horizontal strips from their younger age. The tomb discovered at the temple of Bastet in 1888 had over nineteen tons of animal mummies and remains. The Sand Dune cat or Sand cat (Felis margarita) is the only desert-dwelling cat. In the villages, the greatest danger to Egyptian households were the CFA. So, it is hardly surprising to find that the domestic cat evolved from Egyptian and Near Eastern populations of African wildcats. The Egypt civilization is likely to have tried to domesticate one of two breeds of cats that were found around Egypt at the time. The jungle cat (Felis chaus) and the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica). Cats of both these types began to be domesticated during the Pre-dynastic Period. Jungle cats are typically diurnal hunting thought the day. The jungle cat (Felis chaus), also called reed cat and swamp cat, is a medium-sized cat native to the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia and southern China. Their fur is sandy-brown, reddish or gray, and is unpatterned except for some brown striping on the legs. Egyptian Maus built special bonds with their owners, making very loyal companions. Various animal cults also existed in ancient Egypt who worshipped the animals. With the passage of time, Bastet evolved into a more powerful deity which represented fertility and protection and was called Eye of Ra. The skeleton of a jungle cat discovered in an elite cemetery dated to c. 3700 B.C.E. Sliwa, A., et al. Not only is there artistic and fossil evidence for this, the Ancient Egyptians even worshiped a cat in the form of Bastet, the cat-headed goddess of healing and womanhood, protector of the home. Recent research has suggested that they may in fact have originated in South Asia, but their likeness to Egyptian cats and the possibility of different crosses has left the discussion open to debate. DISTRIBUTION The Jungle Cat is widespread in Asia with the extreme edge of its range in north east Africa. iStock. Jungle cat. Although there are still debates around the subject, the most accepted hypothesis is that domestic cats evolved from Near Eastern and Egyptian populations of the African wildcat (Felis lybica). Like the Abyssinian, these cats resemble cougars, although they are actually a hybrid between Jungle cats (Felis chaus) and domestic cats. It is 20 to 37 inches in body length (50 to 97 cm), with a 8 to 12 inch tail (20 to 31 cm). A selection of cat sculptures and mini figurines of Bastet. Similar looking spotted cats are depicted in Ancient Egyptian paintings and described in hieroglyphs, suggesting that the origins of the Mau go way back to when cats were first domesticated. A few mummified remains have been found in tombs. The cult of the cat was very popular in ancient Egypt and their yearly festival was celebrated at the temple of Bastet. It ranges from Egypt in the west to China in the east, and it is common in India. Linen sheets were used to wrap the dead cat and a procession was taken out for it. Jungle cats have sandy brown fur, and are the largest of the Felis or wild cat species. Interestingly, these cats are also known for a distinctive ‘M’ marking on their foreheads, sometimes called the “mark of the scarab”. (2016). EGYPTIAN MAUS ARE FAST RUNNERS. 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