Cats have a long and fascinating history that can be traced back thousands of years. Here are some key points in the history of cats:
One of the earliest pieces of evidence of cats being kept as pets comes from Cyprus, where a grave containing a human and a cat was discovered. The grave is estimated to be around 9,500 years old, which suggests that cats were being kept as pets even before the advent of agriculture.
It is likely that cats were first domesticated because of their ability to hunt rodents, which were a major pest for early farmers. As people began to settle down and store grain, rodents became a serious problem, and cats were a natural solution. In exchange for food and shelter, cats would keep rodents away from the grain stores.
Cats became especially important in ancient Egypt, where they were seen as sacred animals. The goddess Bastet, who was often depicted as a woman with the head of a cat, was one of the most popular deities in ancient Egypt. Cats were believed to be protectors of the home and were often kept as pets. Some cats were even mummified and buried with their owners, a sign of how highly they were valued.
During the Middle Ages in Europe, cats fell out of favor and were sometimes associated with witchcraft. The association with witches and the devil led to a persecution of cats in some parts of Europe. In addition, the Black Death, a devastating epidemic that killed millions of people, was blamed on cats, who were thought to be carriers of the disease. As a result, many cats were killed en masse.
Despite this persecution, cats continued to be kept as pets and were sometimes used to control rat populations in cities. In the 19th century, cats became popular pets, and the first cat show was held in London in 1871. Today, cats are one of the most popular pets in the world and are beloved by millions of people.
Cats have inspired art, literature, and even religion. In addition to their association with the goddess Bastet, cats have played a role in the mythology of many cultures. They have been the subject of countless works of art, from ancient Egyptian sculptures to modern-day internet memes. And they have been celebrated in literature, from the poetry of T.S. Eliot to the children’s books of Dr. Seuss.
Overall, the history of cats is a long and fascinating one. From their beginnings as rodent hunters to their status as beloved pets, cats have played an important role in human societies for thousands of years.
