The Smithsonian's new exhibit delves into why cats were so highly revered in Ancient Egypt, earning the title 'the Cat's Meow.'

From bi-coastal cat cafes to famous pets like Lil Bub, felines are experiencing a cultural renaissance. This is part of the reason the curators at the Smithsonian’s Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, which will re-open on Saturday, October 14 after a 3-month closure, chose to dedicate a new exhibition to exploring ancient Egypt’s deep connection with these revered animals.

'Divine Felines: Cats of Ancient Egypt' explores the spiritual and cultural significance of cats in Egypt, a fascination that predates YouTube and the #caturday craze. The exhibit, which originally began at the Brooklyn Museum, will be on display at the Smithsonian's Freer and Sackler galleries until January 15, 2018, as part of the grand reopening of these national museums of Asian and Middle Eastern art.

The Freer has been closed since January 2016 for extensive renovations, while the Sackler has been undergoing minor updates since July 2016. Both museums will open their doors once again on October 14, with a two-day festival to celebrate their reopening on the National Mall, free for the public to enjoy.

'Divine Felines' showcases 80 pieces of art and relics, from figurines of lion-headed gods to the miniature coffins of cherished pets, and even a cat mummy on loan from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. These items span a period from the Middle Kingdom (2008 to 1630 BCE) to the Byzantine era (395 to 642 CE).

The term 'cat' is applied broadly, as the Egyptians revered both domestic felines and formidable wild predators.

'The Egyptians were keen observers of nature, noting the behaviors of cats,' says Antonietta Catanzariti, the exhibition's curator. 'They saw that both domestic cats and lions—essentially all felines—displayed traits of aggression and protection, which led them to associate these qualities with their deities.'

In ancient Egypt, gods were often envisioned as humans, animals, or a blend of both. Among these divine figures, several were depicted as cats, such as Bastet, the goddess of motherhood, fertility, and protection, and Sakhmet, the goddess of war and, when appeased, healing. While Sakhmet is often shown with the head of a lion, some myths portray her as a tamed cat.

While Bastet was known for her nurturing nature, Sakhmet—whose name means 'The Powerful One'—could either strike down or protect humanity with her formidable strength. This duality reflects the ancient Egyptian worldview, which saw the universe as containing both positive and negative forces. 'There’s always a positive and a negative,' explains Catanzariti.

Contrary to common belief, the ancient Egyptians did not see cats themselves as gods. 'Though the goddess Sakhmet may have the features of a lion or, in some myths, a cat, this doesn’t mean the Egyptians were worshipping cats or lions,' says Catanzariti. Rather, they admired her feline characteristics. This respect also extended to royalty, with kings being symbolically linked to lions and other large cats, as they were seen as powerful protectors of Egypt’s borders.

The deep associations Egyptians had with cats led them to decorate everything from palaces and temples to amulets, ceremonial vessels, and accessories with feline imagery. Depending on the context, these depictions symbolized a wide range of meanings, from power and protection to beauty and sexuality. For instance, a king’s throne might feature lion-shaped supports, while a woman’s cosmetics case could be adorned with a cat-headed goddess representing motherhood and fertility.

Cats were not only associated with divine beings and royalty, but also enjoyed popularity as domestic pets. Their skill in hunting vermin made them valuable members of households, and just like today, owners developed strong attachments to them and anthropomorphized their pets.

Egyptians often named their children after animals, with Miit (cat) being a popular name for girls. It's said that families would mourn the death of a house cat by shaving their eyebrows. Cats also received special legal protections, though not all were treated equally—some temples bred kittens specifically to offer their mummified remains to the gods. If a beloved cat passed away, the Egyptians would bury it in specially decorated coffins or boxes. King Tutankhamen, for example, had a stone sarcophagus made for his pet cat.

The 'Divine Felines' exhibition is divided into five thematic sections: 'Cats and Kings,' 'Cats and Gods,' 'Cats and Death,' 'Cats and Protection,' and 'Dogs as Guardians and Hunters.' For dog enthusiasts, there’s even a small section explaining why canines were associated with figures like Anubis, the jackal-headed god of mummification and the afterlife, as curator Catanzariti humorously notes.

Did the ancient Egyptians favor cats over dogs? 'Both had different roles,' explains Catanzariti, pointing out that dogs were prized as hunters, scavengers, and guardians. 'They were appreciated in different ways for their ability to protect or serve Egyptian culture.' In this sense, 'Divine Felines' appeals to both cat lovers and dog aficionados, despite the focus on feline grace with its pointed ears and whiskers.