Cats in the Bible – Are They Considered Evil?

Why aren’t cats mentioned in the Bible like dogs, sheep, or lions? For many, this simple question sparks confusion—or even fear. Over time, this absence has given rise to troubling myths: that cats are evil, unholy, or somehow tied to pagan beliefs.
These ideas, though unbiblical, have had real consequences. In some communities, cats face neglect or rejection based purely on superstition. But is this rooted in Scripture, or something else entirely?
This blog sets the record straight. By exploring the biblical context, cultural history, and ancient interpretations of animals in Scripture, we’ll uncover why cats are missing from the Bible—and why that doesn’t make them evil. Whether you’re a cat lover, a Christian, or both, this conversation matters. Let’s replace fear with facts and reclaim compassion through truth.

Are Cats Mentioned in the Bible?

Surprisingly, cats are almost absent from the Bible. You won’t find them in popular versions like the KJV or NIV. But one rare mention appears in Baruch 6:21, an apocryphal text, where cats are seen lounging in pagan temples—a nod to their Egyptian spiritual status.
This silence has sparked myths, with some wrongly assuming cats are “evil.” In reality, it has more to do with cultural background than belief. Ancient Israel wasn’t a cat-centric society like Egypt, and certain ancient Hebrew classifications, though imprecise, may have encompassed cats.
Fact—cats weren’t ignored because they were unholy—they just weren’t part of everyday biblical life.

Could Cats Be Hidden Under Different Biblical Terms?

Could cats have existed in biblical times, just under different names? Exploring the original Hebrew words helps reveal meanings that modern translations often miss. Ancient Hebrew used broad or behavior-based terms like “Chayyat Sadeh” (wild animals of the field) or “Tannim” (jackals, dragons), which might have included cats.
While modern Hebrew uses “Hatul” for cats, this term didn’t exist in the Old Testament era. Cultural context also matters—Hebrews valued animals for function, and since cats weren’t sacrificial or labor animals, they were likely overlooked, not unknown.

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Are Cats Evil or Unholy in the Bible?

Absolutely not. The Bible never calls cats “evil” or assigns moral traits to any animal, only to humans. While cats aren’t named in Scripture, this isn’t a judgment—it’s a reflection of cultural context, not condemnation. Biblical texts focus on animals central to agrarian life, and cats weren’t common in ancient Israel.
Yet Psalm 104:24 reminds us, “The earth is full of your creatures,” affirming all animals as part of God’s good creation. The negative reputation cats later received didn’t come from Scripture but from cultural misunderstandings that developed long after biblical times. If you’re a Christian and wondering, “Is it wrong to love my cat?”—rest easy. Your pet is a gift, not a spiritual problem.
To truly understand why cats were overlooked in biblical texts, it helps to compare how surrounding cultures, like Egypt, viewed them.

Cats in Egypt vs. Israel – What History Tells Us

In ancient Egypt, cats weren’t just pets—they were sacred. Associated with Bastet, the lion-headed goddess of protection and fertility, cats symbolized both divine power and domestic peace. Mummified felines, lavish tomb art, and protective amulets reveal just how revered they were.
Yet in neighboring Israel, cats seem to vanish from biblical text. Why? While Israelites lived in Egypt for centuries and likely saw cats controlling pests and were honored in temples, their presence didn’t carry over into Israelite religious or cultural symbolism. Scholars suggest this omission wasn’t accidental—it may reflect a conscious rejection of Egyptian animal worship.
Unlike lions or sheep, cats held no symbolic weight in Israelite theology. So, cats may have been around, but they weren’t seen as religiously important.

Why Cats Were Once Thought Evil – Myths and Origins

For centuries, cats have been unfairly labeled as evil, sneaky, or selfish—a reputation born not from truth, but from superstition, misinterpretation of scripture, and cultural bias.
The Bible never condemns cats; in fact, they’re never even mentioned in Leviticus 11’s list of “unclean” animals. The myth of cats being tied to witchcraft came much later, during medieval Europe, not Biblical times.
Scientifically, cats form strong emotional bonds, show affection through blinking, grooming, and staying close, and even release oxytocin like dogs do.
Their independence isn’t malicious—it’s just feline nature. Let’s rewrite the narrative: cats are not demonic—they’re devoted, misunderstood companions. Ever believed one of these myths? Share your thoughts below!

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Final Thoughts

Cats are not evil—they’ve simply been misunderstood through layers of cultural myth and superstition. Their absence in Scripture isn’t rejection—it’s a reflection of historical context, not divine disapproval. As Proverbs 12:10 reminds us, “The righteous care for the needs of their animals.”
God created every creature with a purpose (Genesis 1:24-25), and cats are no exception. The belief that they are sinister has more to do with human fear than with biblical truth. As Christians, we are called to respond with discernment, not suspicion.
From families opening their homes to strays to churches offering blessings for beloved pets, these are expressions of compassion rooted in faith. Let’s continue to honor all of God’s creation, including our gentle, curious feline companions.
Has this changed how you view cats in a biblical light? Share your thoughts or experiences below—we’d love to hear your perspective.