After training, a dog would obediently lie or sit by the door, but no matter how they were taught, cats would never listen.
There was once a cat that lived in Egypt. It had once been a free jungle cat, but foolish two-legged creatures insisted on bringing its ancestors into their homes to worship them like gods.
The two-legged creatures called cats "Your Majesty." Cat servants had existed since ancient times, from pharaohs to commoners. They made countless stelae and sculptures for cats, elevating them above humans.
The ancestors of this little black cat had left Egypt in baskets with the Israelites. Wandering the wilderness did not affect them much, but life became very difficult for dogs.
Dogs licked blood, ate carrion, and prowled and barked through deserted nights. Dead or alive, dogs were worthless, to the point that when Israelites cursed someone, they would say, "He is nothing but a dog. How could he accomplish such a great deed?"
Later, the Israelites built the temple and still did not allow dogs inside. Cats remained honored guests of the temple.
It was said that in Egypt, cats had to wear heavy gold ornaments. In Solomon's Temple, however, they did not need them. Freed from those gorgeous yet burdensome accessories, they became much more relaxed and agile.
That day, the little black cat groomed its fur and, with nothing better to do, wandered through the temple, where gold leaf covered everything. Then it suddenly sensed an unusual disturbance.
Angels identical to those in the outer hall were carved upon the olivewood doors. The two doors had not been fully closed, and light spilled from within. Unable to resist its curiosity, it approached and peered through the crack. Its green cat eyes reflected a fantastical sight like mirrors.
Then its appearance changed.