When it comes to the history of cats it seems strange that there was ever a time when cats were not a part of our lives. It’s been less then 10,000 years since cats first swaggered into our lives.
Let's dive right in to the history of cats.
Discovering The History of Cats
Those years are hardly a blink of an eye in the grand scheme of life on this planet. Why were cats so late to join our team? The simple answer is they didn’t need us to survive.
Cats were surviving just fine on their own. Then, people invented agriculture. Agriculture resulted in large scale storage of grains which attracted the usual and well known group of freeloaders, mice and rats.
First Rodents, Then Cats
Grain attracted rodents. Rodents attracted cats who consider them tasty meals. The result was that cats set up housekeeping close to human settlements. Eventually, cats being cats, moved right on in.
Who were these first cats? The first clue lies in where agriculture was first practiced. Agriculture first took root (no pun intended) in the Middle East in a great swath from modern day Turkey to Egypt.
African Wild Cat in The History of Cats
Within this area ranges the African wild cat, Felis libyca. African wild cats are slightly larger then our modern house cats and are yellow in color with muted stripes. These cats have a docile, almost laid back nature.
In the history of cats it is interesting to note, these cats still tend to live and hunt near human settlements today. Locals still like to catch and rear young wild cats as pets.
Founders of The History of Cats
When mature, wild cats raised by humans tend to behave very much like our familiar house cats. A very good case can (and has) been advanced designating Felis libyca as the principal founding population for domestic cats.
During the history of cats at least two other varieties of wild cat are speculated to have contributed to the genetic make up of domestic cats.
European Wild Cat and The History of Cats
One is Felis silvestris, The European wild cat who appears to have contributed darker markings and a peppery spirit to the African wild cat base.
Steppe Cat
Also, from Asia, comes the Pallas or Steppe cat (Felis manul) that appears to have contributed long-haired coats to the mix.
In the history of cats, the early period of domestication of cats is vague with only patches of evidence. However, by 6,000 B.C. statues found in Anatolia (modern Turkey) show women playing with domestic cats.
Cats had clearly become common and affectionate pets by that time.
The History of Cats in Written Records
The earliest written records about cats appear by approximately 4,000 B.C. in Egypt where they were frequently kept to hunt mice and rats from stored grains.
It was a good time, in the history of cats, to be a cat in ancient Egypt.
Domestic cats were thought to be the embodiment of the goddess Bast (or Bastet). There was a necropolis at her principal temple at Bubastis that contained mummified cats.
The History of Cats and the Romans
Romans spread the domestic cat northward into central Europe and westward to Britain during the expansion of their empire.
Cats were quickly adopted and admired as great hunters. And they continued to move north and east in Europe.
The History of Cats and the Vikings
The Vikings used cats as both rodent hunters and pets. The Viking goddess of love and war, Freyja, was associated with cats. Huge winged cats drew her chariot. It also became the custom to give new brides a kitten in her name.
The History of Cats in the Middle Ages
In the history of cats the Middle Ages were a very bad time to be a cat. Cats were said to be witches familiars, in league with the devil.
Because of this superstition, cats were routinely killed during festivals. Sometimes they were even burned alive or thrown off tall buildings. The Europeans paid heavily for their cruelty to cats.
The History of Cats and the Black Death
The deaths of so many cats allowed the rodent population to rise out of control, bringing in the Black Death which killed so much of the European population.
Eventually, the cats’ cleanly ways and hunting prowess redeemed them in the eyes of the people of Europe.
By the 1600s, people in France began putting little holes near the bottom of their doors to allow their cats to enter and leave as they pleased.
The History of Cats in Asia
In Asia cats continued to be familiar hunters and cherished pets. Cats were often subjects for drawing and painting in China.
In Japan, cats in the form of Maneki Neko, usually portrayed as a sitting cat with one paw raised and bent, are considered good fortune. They are often found in businesses to draw in money.
Appreciation
The history of cats is a fascinating one, worthy of much more in depth study. It fosters an appreciation for the personalities and talents of our cherished pets.
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