1Furry and Feathered Friends of the Nile
In Ancient Egypt, animals weren't just animals; they were beloved members of the family! While most families kept friendly dogs for hunting or cats to keep mice away from their grain, some homes were much more crowded. Many Egyptians also kept monkeys, colorful falcons, and even ibises as companions. To show how much they cared, pet owners would often dress their animals in expensive leather collars decorated with beads, jewels, and bells. It wasn't unusual to see a monkey playing under a dinner table or a dog sitting faithfully by its owner’s feet during a big feast.
2The Power of the Cat Goddess
Cats were the most famous pets of all because of the goddess Bastet. She was the protector of the home and was often shown with the head of a cat. Because they were seen as gifts from the gods, harming a cat was a very serious matter—it was even against the law! Egyptians believed that having a cat in the house brought good luck and warded off evil spirits. Cats were so respected that if a family cat passed away, the owners would often shave off their eyebrows as a sign of mourning to show the community how much they missed their friend.
3Exotic Pets and Life Forever
If you were a wealthy Pharaoh or a noble, your "pet" might be a bit more dangerous! Some rich families kept baboons, hippos, or even lions in their gardens to show off their power and status. These exotic animals were much harder to look after than a puppy, but they were treated like royalty. No matter the size of the animal, many Egyptians wanted their friendship to last forever. They often mummified their animal friends with the same care as humans. This was done so the pets could travel into the afterlife, ensuring the owners would have their beloved companions by their side for all eternity.
