Topical Bible: Cats

Jump to: Topical • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Cats, as domesticated animals, are not directly mentioned in the Bible. However, their presence in the ancient Near East is well-documented through archaeological findings and historical records. In biblical times, cats were likely known to the Israelites, especially given their prominence in neighboring Egypt, where they were revered and often associated with the goddess Bastet.

Cultural Context

In ancient Egypt, cats were highly esteemed and often depicted in art and sculpture. They were considered protectors of the home, particularly in controlling vermin. This cultural significance may have influenced neighboring regions, including Canaan and Israel, although the Bible does not explicitly reference cats.

Symbolism and Interpretation

While cats are not mentioned in the biblical text, their characteristics can be symbolically interpreted through a biblical lens. Cats are often seen as independent and mysterious creatures. In a biblical context, this independence can be viewed in light of human free will and the need for discernment in choosing to follow God's commandments.

Biblical Principles

The Bible emphasizes the care and stewardship of all God's creation. Proverbs 12:10 states, "A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty." This verse underscores the responsibility of humans to treat animals with kindness and respect, which would extend to cats as part of God's creation.

Allegorical References

While not directly mentioned, some allegorical interpretations of Scripture may draw parallels between the characteristics of cats and certain biblical themes. For example, the stealth and agility of a cat might be likened to the vigilance required of believers, as advised in 1 Peter 5:8 : "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

Historical and Modern Perspectives

Throughout history, cats have been both revered and misunderstood. In medieval Europe, they were sometimes associated with superstition and witchcraft, reflecting a departure from biblical teachings on the goodness of God's creation. In modern times, cats are beloved pets in many Christian households, where they are appreciated for their companionship and unique personalities.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not specifically mention cats, the principles of stewardship, kindness, and respect for all creatures provide a framework for understanding their place within God's creation. As with all animals, cats are to be treated with care and compassion, reflecting the love and responsibility entrusted to humanity by the Creator.

Topical Bible Verses

Genesis 1:24
And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.
Topicalbible.org

Genesis 1:21
And God created great whales, and every living creature that moves, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
Topicalbible.org

Library

Criticisms on "The Origin of Species. "
... teleological, and the Darwinian, conception. Cats catch mice, small birds
and the like, very well. Teleology tells us that they ...
/.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/xiii criticisms on the origin.htm

Of Former Times
... worship? These were not only the vilest of animals, as dogs and cats, but
the leeks and onions that grew in their own gardens. Indeed ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 102 of former times.htm

Thoughts on Talking
... that even birds and beasts (tho without the power of articulation) perfectly understand
one another by the sounds they utter; and that dogs, cats, etc., have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kleiser/talks on talking/thoughts on talking.htm

That Evening Vergilius Went to Feast with the Young Herodian ...
... These great, stealthy cats in his garden typified the passions of his heart. ... Her
beauty had roused in him the great cats of passion now stalking their prey. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 4 that evening vergilius.htm

Under Ban of the Ritual
... street. At times Kenkenes encountered whole troops of sacred cats that wandered
about the city, monarchs over the monarch himself. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter ii under ban of.htm

The Eternal Revolution
... are more valuable. But nature does not say that cats are more valuable
than mice; nature makes no remark on the subject. She does ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/orthodoxy/vii the eternal revolution.htm

Injustice Shown Towards the Christians.
... mysteries they please. The Egyptians reckon among their gods even cats,
and crocodiles, and serpents, and asps, and dogs. And to ...
/.../athenagoras/a plea for the christians/chapter i injustice shown towards the.htm

The First Games
... So for them it was a continual life in the open air, which makes the body strong
and hard. Augustin and his companions should be pictured as young wild-cats. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/iv the first games.htm

The Gods of the Different Nations Varro's Gentile Class. Their ...
... gods has been pushed, the superstitious practices of the Egyptians show us; for
they worship even their native [911] animals, such as cats, crocodiles, and ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/ad nationes/chapter viii the gods of the.htm

A Plea Regarding Christians by Athenagoras, the Athenian
... [841] The Egyptians reckon among their gods even cats, crocodiles, serpents, asps,
and dogs. And to all these cults both you and the laws grant toleration. ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/a plea regarding christians by.htm