Pets of the afterlife

Pets have been regarded as important members of the family for thousands of years. Many used for activities such as hunting or letter sending but others as just loved for the comfort and protection they provided their owners. The ancient Egyptians pretty much attempted to mummify any and everything. From plants to crocodiles and everything in between, cats, dogs, birds, livestock, fish, snakes and baboons was all fair game. Many pets were buried and preserved with their masters, remains of cats and dogs have been found in Pharaohs tombs. Other animals that were not considered pets were used as offerings that were intended to appease gods in the afterlife. Later on in the New Kingdom the presence of pets were more prominent. Ramses the second demonstrated his love for cats by having tomb paintings that depicted frivolous cat scenes, which included very obese cats wearing earrings and necklaces. Thousands of cats were mummified as an offering to the god Bastet (goddess of maternity and protection) but only a handful of pet cats have been discovered. Pets still share commonality in the importance they play in the lives of their owners, whether it is thousands of years ago or to present day. 

Citation: 

Meixler, L. (1997, May 24). Pharaohs were united with their pets for eternity: Honoured: Ancient egyptians often mummified their beloved animals. The Ottawa Citizen. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.library.uvic.ca/docview/240085684?accountid=14846