Domesticated cats are still rare outside Egypt, but Tarquinius has managed to obtain a pair to give as a present to his wife.   Like all pampered exotic Roman pets, they have their own slaves assigned to tend to their needs and keep them safe.

The original cats from Egypt looked very much like today's Egyptian Mau.  It wasn't until after these cats crossed with wild cats species indigenous to europe that tabby markings began to show up.