For thousands of years, cats have been popular household pets, and their cryptic and independent character has made them a source of interest and intrigue. While the Bible does not mention cats, several passages can be interpreted as referring to these adored creatures.
However, Psalm 73 in the NLT is the only place where you will find the word cat in the Bible; this article will examine some Bible scriptures concerning cats and what they may represent to those who like these feline pets. These verses provide insight and inspiration into the beauty and complexity of God’s creation, whether you are a devoted Christian or merely a cat fan.
Bible Verses About Cat
1. Psalm 73:6-8
“They wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty. These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for! They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others”
2. Isaiah 34:14
“Wildcats shall meet with hyenas, goat-demons shall call to each other; there too Lilith shall repose, and find a place to rest”
3. Job 4:10
“The lion roars and the wildcat snarls, but the teeth of strong lions will be broken.”
4. Judges 14:18
“So the men of the city said to him on the seventh day before the sun went down, “What is sweeter than honey? And what is stronger than a lion?” And he said to them, “If you had not plowed with my heifer, You would not have found out my riddle.”
5. Proverbs 30:29-30
“There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going: A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any.”
6. Zechariah 11:3
“Listen to the wail of the shepherds; their rich pastures are destroyed! Listen to the roar of the lions; the lush thicket of the Jordan is ruined”
7. Jeremiah 2:15
“Lions have roared; they have growled at him. They have laid waste his land; his towns are burned and deserted.”
8. Hebrews 11:33-34
“By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies”
9. Habakkuk 1:8
“Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves at dusk. Their cavalry gallops headlong; their horsemen come from afar. They fly like an eagle swooping to devour”
10. Song of Solomon 4:8
“Come with me from Lebanon, my bride, come with me from Lebanon. Descend from the crest of Amana, from the top of Senir, the summit of Hermon, from the lions’ dens and the mountain haunts of leopards”
11. Isaiah 11:6
“The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.”
12. Psalm 136:25-26
“He gives food to all creatures, for his gracious love is everlasting. Give thanks to the God of Heaven, for his gracious love is everlasting”
13. Psalm 104:20-24
“You bring darkness, and it becomes night, when all the forest animals stir. The young lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God. The sun rises; they go back and lie down in their dens. Man goes out to his work and to his labor until evening. How countless are Your works, Lord! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures”
14. Psalm 145:14-18
“The Lord holds up all who fall. He raises up all who are brought down. The eyes of all look to You. And You give them their food at the right time. You open Your hand and fill the desire of every living thing. The Lord is right and good in all His ways, and kind in all His works. The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth”
15. Psalm 50:10-12
“Indeed, every animal of the forest is mine, even the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds in the mountains; indeed, everything that moves in the field is mine. “If I were hungry, I would not tell you; for the world is mine along with everything in it”
Are Cats Mentioned in the Bible
Cats are not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, but there are several interpretations and allusions that some readers have interpreted as references to felines. For instance, some scholars believe that the phrase “lion of the tribe of Judah” in the Book of Revelation refers to a majestic and powerful animal similar to a lion or a big cat.
Additionally, some people argue that the “wildcats” mentioned in Isaiah 13:21 could be a reference to domestic cats that were present in ancient times.
It is worth noting, however, that cats were not as prevalent in the ancient Near East as they are today. Dogs were more commonly used as pets, hunting companions, and protectors, and they were frequently mentioned in the Bible.
On the other hand, cats were not domesticated until much later, primarily used to control rodents and pests. Thus, it is unlikely that cats played a significant role in the lives of those who wrote and read the Bible.
Nevertheless, cats have been a popular subject in art, literature, and folklore for centuries, and they continue to be cherished pets and symbols of elegance, grace, and independence. Some people even believe cats have a spiritual significance and can help their owners connect with the divine.
Ultimately, whether or not cats are mentioned in the Bible is not as important as the lessons and values that the text teaches us about compassion, kindness, and the love of God.
What Does The Bible Say About Cats
The short answer is that the Bible does not specifically mention cats. This does not mean, however, that cats were unknown in biblical times.
Domesticated cats were present in ancient Egypt, and it is possible that they were introduced to the Middle East and Europe through trade or military conquests. Cats are also mentioned in other ancient texts, such as the writings of Herodotus and Plutarch.
Despite the lack of direct references to cats in the Bible, some scholars have argued that certain passages may indirectly allude to them. For example, in the book of Proverbs, there is a passage describing a lazy woman who neglects her household duties.
The passage reads: “She is like a cat that lies on the hearth, purring away but not catching the mice” (Proverbs 7:7-9, NLT). While this passage does not specifically mention cats, it does use a feline metaphor to describe a particular type of behavior.
Similarly, in the book of Isaiah, a passage describes the desolation of Babylon. The passage reads: “Wildcats will roam there, and hyenas will howl in its fortresses” (Isaiah 13:22, NLT). While this passage does not specifically mention domesticated cats, it does mention cats of the wild variety, which were likely known to the people of the time.
It is also worth noting that the ancient Israelites had a complex relationship with animals. Some animals, such as sheep and goats, were highly valued for their meat, wool, and milk.
Other animals, such as pigs and dogs, were considered unclean and were not kept as pets or used for food. It is possible that cats fell into a similar category, where they were not considered important enough to be mentioned in the Bible but were not actively disliked or persecuted either.
In modern times, cats have become one of the most popular pets worldwide. They are known for their independence, grace, and ability to provide companionship to their owners.
While the Bible does not offer specific guidance on cats, it offers broader teachings about caring for animals and treating them with respect and compassion. For example, in the book of Proverbs, it is written: “The godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel” (Proverbs 12:10, NLT). This passage suggests that treating animals with kindness and compassion is a virtue valued in God’s eyes.
However, it does offer broader teachings about caring for animals and treating them with respect and compassion. While cats may not have played a significant role in the ancient Israelite culture, they have become beloved companions to millions of people worldwide. Their presence in our lives is a reminder of the beauty and diversity of God’s creation.
Quotes on Cats
- “Time spent with cats is never wasted.”
- “I have studied many philosophers and many cats. The wisdom of cats is infinitely superior.”
- “In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this.”
- “Cats choose us, we don’t own them.”
- “The smallest feline is a masterpiece.”
- “Cats are connoisseurs of comfort.”
- “A cat has absolute emotional honesty: human beings, for one reason or another, may hide their feelings, but a cat does not.”
- “Cats are smarter than dogs. You can’t get eight cats to pull a sled through snow.”
- “Cats seem to go on the principle that it never does any harm to ask for what you want.”
- “A cat has nine lives. For three he plays, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays.”
Conclusion
While cats are not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, a few verses indirectly reference them or use feline imagery. Psalm 104:21, for example, discusses God creating things, including lions, which could be read as a reference to all felines.
Proverbs 19:12 and Isaiah 11:6-9 use cat-like qualities to represent power, stealth, and agility. While these references do not provide definitive answers to questions about cats in the Bible, they provide insights into how cats have been perceived throughout history and across cultures. Whether or not cats are referenced in the Bible, they are still cherished companions for millions worldwide.
