How did Egyptian cats spread across the Mediterranean and Eurasia?

The spread of cats across the Mediterranean and Eurasia occurred in two primary waves, rather than originating solely from Egypt. While the first wave involved the movement of cats from the Middle East to the eastern Mediterranean to assist early farmers with rodent control, the second wave was driven by the popularity of cats in ancient Egypt.1

As cats became revered symbols of divinity and cherished companions in Egyptian society, they were transported to other regions of Africa and Eurasia primarily by seafarers. Mariners, including Vikings, frequently kept cats on their ships to protect food supplies from rats and mice. Genetic evidence confirms this expansion, as DNA from Egyptian cats has been matched to feline remains found at Viking sites in Germany. Through these maritime trade and travel routes, cats became well-adapted to life alongside humans across the globe.21