This Ancient Claw Mark on a Jerusalem Pottery Shard is the Earliest Known Evidence of a Kneading Cat

More than a thousand years ago, a cat found a new pottery shard in Jerusalem. He placed his claws on the still slightly pliable clay and pressed down.

After carefully analyzing a piece of the jug, archaeologists say it is the earliest known evidence of a cat’s “kneading” behavior. This behavior is sometimes referred to as “biscuit-making”.

The piece was unearthed on Mount Zion, a hill just outside the city. Old City of JerusalemDuring the excavations carried out under the direction of Shimon Gibsonan archaeologist at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Rafael LewisArchaeologist at Bar-Ilan University in Israel.

However, no one noticed the claw marks until later. After the excavation, the newly discovered artifacts were stored in boxes. Lab manager Gretchen Cotter was sorting through the pottery shard when she noticed its distinctive markings: forepaw prints and small paw pads, as well as deep, delicate puncture marks.

“We think the cat kneaded the jug rather than resting on it because its claws were extended and left deep marks on the clay surface,” Gibson said. Live Science‘s Margherita Bassi. The paw print is 1.2 inches in diameter.

Gibson adds that the kneaded piece was once part of a jug that likely held water, wine or olive oil.. It was found among other pottery sherds dating back to the 1st century BC. Abbasid Period beginning with its rise around 750 AD Abbasid caliphate in the Middle East. Researchers think the jug was made during this period, perhaps around the ninth century AD.

Cats often respected in ancient Islamic culture. Prophet Mohammed reportedly I was amazed animals allowed inside mosques. As Gibson said Live ScienceCats are mentioned in “early Islamic sources; among these hadith literature” is the written record of the sayings and practices attributed to the prophet.

“Kneading” refers to cats’ tendency to push their paws against soft surfaces, extend and massage their claws; It’s like mixing dough. Kittens do the same action on their mothers’ mammary glands, which helps them feed better. stimulate milk production. Most adult cats continue this habit by kneading their favorite people, animals, or soft surfaces. Some experts think that this behavior indicates that the cat feels happy and safe.

Years ago in Jerusalem, someone may have placed a freshly shaped jar in the sunlight to dry. HaaretzRuth Schuster. Then its texture and scent probably attracted the attention of a curious cat.

“The paw print indicates that the little cat was probably leaning on the curved rim of the jug, possibly basking in the sun,” Gibson told the publication. “We can only (imagine) humming.”