Dear Ellen - Ancient Litter Box

July 5, 2009

Dear Ellen,
Why do cats poop in their litter box the minute you change the kitty litter?
Curious

Dear Curious,
This feline practice dates back 4,000 years to ancient Egypt, where cats were first domesticated. Egyptian culture revered cats as sacred deities. It is a common misconception that the great pyramids were constructed as tombs for the Egyptian pharaohs. However, relief carvings inside the pyramids actually show that these great structures were originally designed to provide a place of privacy for the cats to ‘do their duties'. Building the pyramids required a great effort, involving years or even centuries of labor. The eventual completion of a structure was commemorated with an elaborate celebration, during which sacred rituals were performed. The grounds surrounding the entrance were brushed clean, and musk oils were used to scent the air. The floor inside the pyramid was covered with fine sands and clay. Upon completion of these ceremonies, the pyramid was presented to the cat for whom it was intended. The cat would then enter and relieve itself. This act displayed the cat's approval and appreciation of the structure, and was considered a blessing of good fortune for the community.
Though our domesticated housecats today are long since descended from their ancestral culture, they have retained many spiritual practices such as this. Let us be thankful for the wisdom cats bring to our lives.
Ellen

Recent Comments [1]

Wow, Ellen, you are quite possibly the smartest person on the planet. This explains a lot. Sooo many more questions of equal importance to ask.

Crusade Against the Mundane