Cats and dogs often played an important religious role in the ancient cultures. The ancient Egyptians, for example, enshrined these two animals with special spiritual abilities.
They were considered to serve as protectors of humankind in many respects, among which also in the spiritual sense.
More particularly, dogs served as a model of the jackal/dog-god Anubis who helped the souls of the deceased on their journey to the Hall of Truth where they would be judged by the death god Osiris.
When it comes to cats, it seems like the traditional belief that they can see and fend off spirits from interfering in the world of the living does come from the time of the great pharaohs.
Closely associated with the goddess Bastet, cats were held in high regard among Egyptians, and the penalty for hurting a cat (even unintentionally) was death.
So, what’s so special about these animals that seems to inspire myths, traditions, and legends?
Today, these common house pets are still treated with a lot of love and devotion, and it has been scientifically proven that they do come with a myriad of health benefits for the owners.
But did you know that cats and dogs are able to see much more than we can? According to Ron Douglas, a biologist at City University London, these animals can see UV light, contrary to previous belief.
In a study, Douglas discovered that the lenses of cats and dogs permitted UV light to enter the retinas, allowing these animals to see beyond the visible wavelengths that humans are able to perceive.
Does this explain their strange behavior at times, where they stare or even react to something that isn’t there? Or is there more to it?
There have been many reports of cats responding to circumstances that one can only explain as supernatural and intangible. This anecdotal evidence usually gravitates around situations where someone has recently passed away, or in situations which may seem nightmarish to many.
In fact, I have a story to share regarding this situation. It was around 7 years ago when my friend’s father passed away and the cat started acting strangely. Not in the way of showing that he misses his deceased house-friend, but more in a way of showing that he is seeing something that isn’t there.
He would jump to the window in the dead of night and stare outside, closely following what can be best described as someone moving down the path that could be seen outside the window. And this observation was accompanied by distressed ‘meows’ and a generally tense posture.
What did he see?
Many people say that cats are known to fend off spirits of recently deceased people from returning to the place they left, and even to protect the house from ‘evil’ spirits and negative energy.
And for you cat owners, you can agree that your cat can sniff out the negativity in some guests and can act out openly against them – either by turning their back on them for the whole time, or by being unreasonably hostile toward them.
While I grew up with dogs, the only thing I can say about them is that they do see and feel one’s sadness and react instantly. I have heard similar stories about dogs reacting and barking to things that weren’t there, but I haven’t had such an experience myself.
What I know, though, is that there is so much we don’t know about what these two precious house pets are able to perceive.
Have you had a similar experience with your pets? Share it in the comments!
