It is believed that cats were first domesticated over 4000 years ago in Egypt. Statues of cats were placed outside peoples’ homes to ward off evil spirits. The Egyptians passed laws making the killing of a cat, either intentionally or accidentally, a crime punishable by death. Ancient tombs have been unearthed that housed mummified cats, symbolizing their status in society. Cats were even taken on hunting trips, instead of dogs, and retrieved downed birds from the fields and marshes.
In ancient Egypt, cats were viewed as gods. Even though they have evolved over thousands of years, the felines of today continue to believe that they should be treated as royalty.