Cats have a long and fascinating history, dating back thousands of years to ancient Egypt. They were worshipped as sacred animals and kept as pets by pharaohs and other members of high society. Today, cats are one of the most popular pets in the world, with millions of households welcoming them into their homes. Learn more about the history and domestication of cats in this article.
Cats are believed to have first been domesticated in the Near East, around 10,000 years ago. This was around the time when humans first began to settle down and engage in agriculture, which provided a reliable food source for rodents. It's believed that cats were attracted to the rodent populations and began to hunt them, leading to a symbiotic relationship between cats and humans.
Over time, cats began to live closer to humans and were eventually welcomed into their homes. The ancient Egyptians are known for their reverence of cats, and they believed that they had sacred qualities. Cats were often depicted in artwork and were even mummified and buried with their owners.
Cats also spread to other parts of the world, including Europe and Asia. They were often used for pest control on ships and became popular among sailors. In Japan, cats were highly regarded and even had their own temple dedicated to them.
It's important to note that the domestication of cats was different from that of dogs. While dogs were bred for specific traits and purposes, such as hunting or herding, cats were simply allowed to live alongside humans and were not specifically bred for certain qualities.
Today, cats are one of the most popular pets in the world, with an estimated 600 million cats living in households around the globe. They continue to be beloved for their affectionate personalities, independent nature, and their ability to keep homes free of rodents.
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