Cats hold a significant place in many people’s hearts, and are often considered to be loving companions.

Despite their esteemed position in modern society, references to cats in the Bible are conspicuously absent.

Animals in the Bible

In the Bible, numerous animals are mentioned, from the humble donkey to the mighty lion.

These creatures often hold symbolic significance, representing various traits, values, or messages that the biblical authors wished to convey.

For instance, doves are symbols of peace and the Holy Spirit, while lambs are frequently used to symbolize innocence and purity.

Searching for Cats in the Scriptures

While there is no direct mention of domestic cats in the Bible, some scholars believe that the Bible may indirectly reference cats.

The Hebrew word “shachal” is translated as lion but may sometimes refer to wild cats or other large felines.

However, these references are not conclusively proven to be about domestic cats, leaving the explicit mention of these animals out of the biblical texts.

Possible Reasons for the Omission

Why might cats be left out of the biblical narrative?

During biblical times, cats may not have held the same domestic role as they do today.