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Ancient Paw Print Offers Insight into Feline Behavior in Historical Jerusalem

In a fascinating archaeological discovery, experts have identified the oldest known evidence of a cat displaying a behavior commonly referred to as “kneading.” This behavior, often playfully dubbed “making biscuits,” was observed in a paw print found on a pottery fragment from over a thousand years ago in Jerusalem.

The discovery was made during an excavation at Mount Zion, located just outside the Old City of Jerusalem. Led by archaeologist Shimon Gibson from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Rafael Lewis of Bar-Ilan University, the team unearthed a variety of artifacts. However, the significance of the paw print did not come to light until later, during a sorting process by laboratory director Gretchen Cotter.

Upon examining the pottery fragment, Cotter noticed peculiar markings that included not only the typical paw pads but also distinct deep imprints left by the cat’s extended claws. “We believe the cat was kneading rather than just resting on the surface, given the nature of the marks it left,” Gibson explained in an interview with Live Science.

The paw print, measuring 1.2 inches across, was discovered on a piece of a jug believed to have once carried liquids such as water, wine, or olive oil. This jug is thought to date back to the Abbasid period, which commenced around 750 C.E. with the establishment of the Abbasid caliphate. Researchers estimate that this particular jug was likely crafted in the ninth century.

The reverence for cats in ancient Islamic culture is well documented. Notably, the prophet Muhammad is reported to have had a fondness for these animals, allowing them into mosques. “Cats are mentioned in early Islamic texts, including Hadith literature,” Gibson noted, underscoring their cultural significance at the time.

The act of kneading is characterized by cats pushing their paws into soft surfaces, extending their claws, and massaging the material. Kittens instinctively perform this action on their mothers to stimulate milk production; similarly, adult cats often knead their preferred humans or soft objects. This behavior is frequently interpreted as a sign of comfort and contentment.

Reflecting on the conditions of the past, Gibson suggests that a sun-dried jug may have been attractive to the curious cat. “The small cat was likely resting on the jug’s edge, soaking up the sun, and we can only imagine it was purring,” he stated, painting a whimsical picture of feline life in ancient Jerusalem.

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