While domestic cats are not found in the books typically included in the Protestant Bible, they are mentioned in certain ancient biblical texts that are part of the broader Christian scriptural tradition for some denominations.
Cats in Biblical Texts: A Nuanced Answer
The question of whether cats are mentioned in the Bible depends on which version of the Bible is being referenced, as different Christian traditions recognize different sets of books as canonical.
Absence in the Protestant Bible
In the Protestant Bible, which consists of 39 books in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament, domestic cats are notably absent. While other animals like lions, sheep, goats, donkeys, and various birds are frequently referenced, cats do not appear in any of the commonly accepted books of the Protestant canon.
Presence in the Letter of Jeremiah
However, in ancient texts considered part of the broader biblical tradition by some Christian denominations, specifically the Letter of Jeremiah, cats are mentioned. This letter is one of the Deuterocanonical books (also known as the Apocrypha), which are included in the Bibles of Catholic, Orthodox, and some other Christian traditions, though generally not in Protestant Bibles.
- In Letter of Jeremiah verse 21, cats are described alongside bats: "Their faces are covered with dust from the temple, and on their heads sit bats, swallows, and birds, and the cats also." This verse is part of a passage that criticizes the futility and decay of idol worship, illustrating how pagan idols are vulnerable to nature and dirt, unlike the living God. The mention of cats helps paint a vivid picture of the neglected and defiled state of these false gods' temples.
Understanding Biblical Canons
The differences in whether cats are mentioned reflect the varying historical development of biblical canons among Christian denominations.
| Bible Version | Letter of Jeremiah Included? | Domestic Cats Mentioned? | Context of Mention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protestant Bibles | Generally No | No | N/A |
| Catholic Bibles | Yes | Yes (v. 21) | Found in the Deuterocanonical books (Apocrypha) |
| Orthodox Bibles | Yes | Yes (v. 21) | Found in the Deuterocanonical books (Apocrypha) |
Therefore, while God does not explicitly mention cats in the books forming the Protestant biblical canon, the animal is indeed referenced within the wider collection of ancient texts considered scriptural by millions of believers worldwide.
