The history of cat and human

 

Introduction

Cats have been a beloved companion of humans for thousands of years. From the ancient Egyptians to modern day pet owners, cats have played a significant role in human history. In this article, we will explore the history of the cat-human relationship, from the domestication of cats to their current status as one of the most popular pets in the world.

Domestication of Cats

The domestication of cats is believed to have begun around 10,000 years ago in the Near East. At this time, agriculture was starting to take hold, and with it came a rise in rodent populations. Cats, who are natural predators of rodents, would have been attracted to these early human settlements in search of food. It is thought that the early human inhabitants of these settlements began to tolerate the presence of cats, and over time, the two species formed a symbiotic relationship.

The earliest evidence of this relationship comes from the island of Cyprus, where a cat was buried alongside a human in a grave dating back to around 7500 BCE. This suggests that cats were already considered to be valued members of human society at this early date.

As human civilization spread, so too did the domestication of cats. By the time of the ancient Egyptians, cats were already considered to be sacred animals, and were highly valued for their ability to keep rodent populations under control. The ancient Egyptians even had a goddess, Bastet, who was associated with cats.

Cats in the Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, cats continued to be valued for their ability to control rodent populations. However, they also began to be associated with witchcraft and evil. This was due in part to the Church's teachings that animals without souls, such as cats, were in league with the devil. As a result, cats were often persecuted, and many were killed in mass culls.

Despite this, cats continued to be kept as pets by those who could afford them. They were also still used for pest control, and were considered to be valuable assets on ships, where they were used to keep rat populations under control.

The Modern Era

In the 18th and 19th centuries, cats began to be kept as pets for their own sake, rather than simply for their ability to control pests. This was in part due to the rise of the middle class, who could afford to keep pets for companionship. It was also due to the changing attitudes towards animals, with more people beginning to see them as sentient beings deserving of compassion and care.

With the advent of new technologies, such as vaccines and sterilization, cats have become even more popular as pets. Today, they are one of the most popular pets in the world, with millions of households keeping cats as companions.

Conclusion

The history of the cat-human relationship is a long and fascinating one. From their domestication as pest controllers to their current status as beloved pets, cats have played a significant role in human history. Today, they continue to be cherished for their companionship and their ability to bring joy to our lives.