From Egyptian Deities to Global Legends: The Rich History of Cats

The first great period of worship, cats in Ancient Egypt during the reign of the pharaohs. At the time, cats were a symbol of the harvest, so the man who killed the cat had to pay with his life. Strict laws forbade cats from leaving Egypt as a sacred animal. Thanks to the sailors, “the first cat smugglers”. They bring these animals to Italy, Gaul, Britain and other countries. True, cats were also worshiped in China. They believed that these animals had a soul. Many legends about this animal can be found in the truths spread by Buddhism. It is said that even Muhammad did not escape the influence of a cat. He carried his favorite cat in a wide-sleeved garment.

When cats become pets?

Unfortunately, to this day, this is unknown. It is estimated that already 60-70 million years ago, cat-like animals lived in the forest. The most recent wild cat is considered the direct ancestor of current domestic cats. The resemblance is indisputable. It’s clear that there is a millennium between the first theoretical evidence of keeping a cat at home and its actual accommodation. This could be explained by the independent and autonomous nature of the cat. It’s not a man who has domesticated a cat, but a cat has joined the human being when it has become convenient for her. Cats do not like nomadic life and prefer to live in a permanent, safe place. It’s believed that the real friendship of these animals with humans began when humans started a sedentary life.

Today, there are well over one hundred and fifty breeds of cats in the world. The cat has become a real pet, which gives a person a lot of joy. But also requires constant care, attention, love and warmth.