Photograph of an Egyptian mummified cat. Over 2000 years ago, an ancient Egyptian painstakingly wrapped and embalmed this domestic cat as a religious offering to an animal-headed god. Millions of animals were killed in this way, most commonly baboons, cats and falcons but also jackals, shrews, fish , cows and even crocodiles. This specimen was bought by two sisters is 1914, who donated it to the Museum.