What were cats called before? - briefly
Before they became known as "cats," these animals were often referred to by their scientific name, Felis catus, or simply as "felines."
What were cats called before? - in detail
The evolution of cat names reflects both cultural and historical shifts in human-feline relationships. Prior to their domestication, wild felines were not referred to as "cats" but rather by their specific species names or local dialect terms. For instance, the African wildcat (Felis lybica) was simply known by its scientific name or regional appellations such as "jungle cat" or "desert cat."
As domestication began around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent region of the Middle East, these wild felines started to be referred to more generally. The earliest known name for a domestic feline can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where cats were revered and often associated with goddesses like Bastet. In Egyptian hieroglyphs, cats were depicted with a symbol resembling the modern letter "M," which was pronounced "miu" or "mau," echoing the universal sound cats make.
In classical antiquity, the Greeks and Romans adopted different terms for cats. The Greeks called them "ailouros" (αίλουρος), from which the Latin word "felis" derived—the basis for the scientific name of the domestic cat, Felis catus. This term was used throughout the Roman Empire and eventually spread across Europe during the Middle Ages.
During the medieval period, cats were often referred to in various European languages with terms that reflected their utility rather than affection. For example, in Old English, cats were called "cattas," a term derived from Latin "catus," meaning wise or clever—a nod to their usefulness in controlling pests like rats and mice.
The modern use of the term "cat" emerged during the Renaissance as languages began to standardize. The English word "cat" likely originated from Old Norse "katta," which was brought to Britain by Viking settlers. This term eventually supplanted older terms like "cattas" and became the universal name for domestic felines in the English-speaking world.
Thus, the evolution of cat names mirrors the journey of these animals from wild creatures to beloved companions, reflecting the changing nature of human interaction with them over millennia.