Archaeologists find oldest evidence of cat kneading on 1,200-year-old jug in Jerusalem

Israeli archaeologists have discovered the oldest known artifact bearing traces of a cat's 'kneading' behavior—a fragment of a clay jug aged 1,200 years, excavated in Jerusalem. The imprint was found on the jug, believed to have been left by a contented cat while the jug was drying before being fired. At that time, the surface of the clay was still soft and malleable, which allowed the paw print to be preserved.

Researchers believe that the print is from the front paw of an animal, with the print measuring approximately three centimeters in width. Shimon Gibson, co-director of the excavations, explained that the imprint shows claw marks, suggesting that the cat was not just leaving its print but was "kneading dough" or "preparing the cookies"—a characteristic behavior of cats where they stretch their claws and leave deep prints.

Kneading is a common behavior among cats, where the pet rhythmically kneads a surface with its front paws. From the side, this action resembles dough kneading, which is why it is also called "making cookies." This behavior is typical in cats that knead for various reasons, including stimulating milk flow when they are young. Cats are known to knead with their paws for several reasons: kittens do this to stimulate milk flow from their mother, and adult cats do it when they are comfortable or to leave their scent on a surface. Adult cats often repeat kneading movements when they feel safe and comfortable, particularly before curling up in their favorite sleeping spot. By kneading, cats associate this action with coziness and safety.

Although paw prints are common on ancient pottery, the cat's imprint is unique for its claw marks and kneading signs. Deep marks on pottery indicate kneading, and if the animal had accidentally brushed against the dish with its paw, it almost certainly would not have extended its claws. The cat may have felt warm, content, and secure, leading it to knead the substrate beneath its feet, possibly while warming itself nearby.

The jug, used for transporting water, wine, or olive oil, was recovered in a residential neighborhood dating to the ninth century during the Abbasid Caliphate. Dating of the jug showed that the cat lived in Jerusalem during this time. During the Abbasid period, Jerusalem was under Islamic rule, but its inhabitants also included Jews and Christians, according to Shimon Gibson.

Cats held a special place in Islamic culture during the Abbasid period. They were mentioned in early Islamic sources, and the Prophet Muhammad was known to have a great fondness for cats. Cat remains found in Israel dating back to prehistoric times held special significance in Islamic culture during the Abbasid period, when Jerusalem was a crossroads of cultures and also home to Jews and Christians.

Gretchen Cotter, the laboratory director, was the first to notice the markings on the pottery fragment during post-excavation work, having discovered the forearm and claw imprints while analyzing material spread out on a table. The fragment lay with countless others in boxes of material collected from Mount Zion that await sorting and analysis in the excavation's Jerusalem lab. It will now be analyzed and subsequently handed over to the Israeli authorities for further decisions.

At the Mount Zion site, archaeologists identified many small fingerprints on pottery fragments, likely belonging to the potter's children, who were often responsible for adding jar handles. The most common marks on ancient pottery are human fingerprints, sometimes from children who were given tasks like applying handles to jars.

This discovery provides a rare glimpse into the behaviors of domestic cats during the Abbasid period in Jerusalem. The unique preservation of the cat's kneading marks reflects the animal's natural behaviors and the cultural significance of cats in the region during that era.

Sources: Cursorinfo, Gazeta.Ru, Scienze Notizie

This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq