Cats have a long history of association with humans, dating back to ancient Egypt. Cats were revered by the ancient Egyptians, who believed that they had divine powers and
would often keep cats in their homes to protect against vermin and other pests.
Cats were also mummified and buried with their owners, as it was believed that they would continue to protect them in the afterlife. Cats eventually spread to other parts of the world, including Europe and Asia, where they were valued for their ability to control rodent populations.
Cats were first domesticated in the Near East around 10,000 years ago. The domestication of cats likely began when wildcats began living near human settlements and scavenging food from garbage dumps. Over time, these wildcats became accustomed to living near humans and eventually evolved into the domestic cats we know today.
The ancient Egyptians held cats in high esteem, and killing a cat was a crime punishable by death. Cats were often mummified and buried with their owners, and the goddess Bastet, who was associated with cats, was highly revered.
Cats were also believed to have spiritual powers and were associated with good luck, and were used in many cultures for protection against evil spirits. The Roman Empire also valued cats for their ability to control pests such as rats and mice, which were common in cities.
During the Middle Ages, cats were often associated with witchcraft, and many were killed during the witch-hunts. However, cats were still valued for their ability to control pests and were kept on ships to protect the cargo from rats and mice.
In more recent times, cats have become popular pets all over the world. They are valued for their independent nature, their ability to keep pests under control, and their companionship. Today, there are many different breeds of cats, each with their own unique characteristics and personalities.
Cats are now one of the most popular pets in the world, with millions of households keeping cats as companions, and they have been part of human lives for thousands of years.
"Here kitty! Let's take a selfie!"