The ancient Egyptians were the first to attribute to cats (especially black ones) the role of good luck. In fact, they found that families with cats in the home had more food, contracted fewer diseases, and suffered fewer deaths than families without cats. The Egyptians placed great importance on the cat’s careful grooming, and their ability to kill mice, rats, scorpions, and snakes was considered a true stroke of luck.
Another advantage of cats was that they did not eat grains, which, incidentally, was the almost exclusive diet of the Egyptians.
