Written by Anne Moss
Early Beginnings
Every cat lover admires the big cats. Watching a nature film, the similarity between lions or tigers and our own domesticated kitties is often
striking. We can readily recognize the walk, the facial expressions, the hunting technique (if only from watching our cats chase toys), and many
other behavioral patterns.
That these great predators are members of the same family as the domestic cat is only too obvious. In fact all modern cats, wild or domestic,
have one common ancestor - the miacids - which walked on this planet some tens of millions of years ago. A more direct ancestor, Felis Lunesis,
appeared on the stage twelve million years ago, and it is assumed that all modern small cats evolved from that prehistoric species.
Domestication
It seems that the first cats to live near people were the African wild cats of Egypt. These cats were probably attracted by the mice and rats
that filled the Egyptian grain stores. Apparently, the ancient Egyptians were very appreciative of the cats' help in vermin control. In fact, they
worshipped their cats and gave them a central place in their culture. The cats were considered gods and killing a cat was punishable by
death.
It is believed that cats were introduced into Europe by Mediterranean traders. It is possible that cats also followed the trade routes all over the
world, proving, as they migrated, to be invaluable in their role as vermin exterminators.
European Legacy
The cats that inhabited Europe during the Middle Ages endured serious persecution. The mysterious cat, with its superior senses and
physical ability, was often seen as having a diabolic character. The close companionship between cats and elderly solitary women sometimes
led to accusations of witchcraft - both women and cats suffered from the consequences.
Modern Times
As the Middle Ages came to an end, the popularity of the cat increased again in Europe and all over the world. Cats became admired pets
once more and this time not necessarily for their hunting skills. New exotic breeds were imported to Britain from all over the empire, and the
nineteenth century saw a rising interest in the breeding and showing of purebred cats. The first official cat show was held in 1871 in London's
Crystal Palace.
During the twentieth century, and in particular from the 1950s, cats became even more cherished and loved. With its ability to adjust to the
new living conditions in the growing urbanization of the modern world, the cat is now one of the most popular pets in the world. In the United
States and in Europe it is estimated that cats are now more popular than dogs as household pets.
The quality of life of domesticated cats is also rising. Scientific research contributes to the creation of improved food and medical treatment,
and also to a better understanding of feline behavior. In a protected environment, cats today can reach old age and can enjoy a protective and
mutually satisfying relationship with humans.
Unfortunately, the cat's ability to survive in harsh conditions has also created a serious problem of overpopulation. Too many cats end their
lives as strays and feral cats struggling for a meager existence, or at animal shelters. It is our duty as cat owners to take care of this situation. If
we prevent the birth of unwanted kittens, then in the long-run most cats will have good homes. Only then can we truly say that the cat's story has
reached a happy stage in the twenty-first century.
Anne Moss is the founder and owner of TheCatSite.com. She is a cat behaviorist and a member of the Cats Writers
Association.
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