There are many differences between cats and other animals. All cats, from the big wild cats to the small domestic cats, have common traits. Scientists claim that the feline species evolved about 40 million years ago from an animal similar to weasels. For comparison, the human erectus, the first human being, evolved about 1.8 million years ago.
The first domesticated cats are attributed to the early Egyptians who lived in the Upper Egypt area of the Nile. These early domestic cats were valued because they chased and killed small rodents and snakes. These pest animals constantly damaged the grain that was the main source of food for the Egyptians. Cats were an effective way to deal with these pests, so people kept them around.
As the humans and cats got to know each other and their fear subsided, a stronger and closer relationship developed between them. The Egyptian people were amazed by the cat’s agility, its physical and hunting abilities. On the other hand, the cats enjoyed a safe haven and received food from people. Furthermore, the Egyptians were fascinated by the cat’s ability to see when it is dark and to flexibly escape from danger. The nonchalant behavior typical of cats also contributed to their elevated status.
The high position of the cats allowed them to travel up and down the Nile River in grain boats. Their presence on the ships ensured the protection of the grain from animals such as mice, rats and other small rodents. Under these favorable conditions, cats multiplied and spread throughout the Nile region.
The abilities and values of the cats allowed them to be raised as high as royalty. It soon became illegal to harm and kill cats. The Egyptians began to call the cats Mau, since this word resembles the sound of meowing. Later this name was replaced by the word Urchat. Soon a Cat Goddess known as Pasht (similar to pus and pussy) was created and worshiped by the Egyptians. The modern names for cats that we use today have developed from the ancient Egyptian names.
The Romans continued to domesticate cats because they also valued felines for their hunting abilities. This allowed cats to spread throughout the Roman Empire. The fall of Rome marked the beginning of a really difficult time for cats. Cats, and especially black ones, were considered evil creations and were associated with witchcraft. Therefore, they were persecuted and killed.
According to historians, cats were domesticated so quickly due to their ability to eliminate pests, their physical flexibility, and their special behavior. Cats are usually completely independent, but they can also live in families and groups. While dogs need to be with people and require people’s attention, cats can do it perfectly on their own. Felines are animals that do not need special emotional closeness or approval.
The cats that we know today and that we keep as pets possess some of the characteristics of their ancient ancestors. Some people do not like feline behavior and prefer dogs as pets. But there are people who value the independence and behavior of the cat, and they are happy to have such a pet at home. Cat and dog owners are completely different in their individuality because they value different characteristics.
It is not easy to train cats, but it is really possible. There are cat shows where you can see amazing tricks performed by felines. You can train your kitten to follow basic commands and come closer when you call his name. Many experts believe that cats can be trained to do this and that cat owners cannot force their pets to do something against their will.
Another difference between cats and other animals is their agility, balance, and strength. Cats can jump three times their height, something humans cannot do. You may have heard the old saying that a cat has nine lives. This saying comes from the cat’s ability to avoid various physical harm. Therefore, it is not surprising that felines can often escape unscathed from different disasters.
Cats are unique in their ability to see at night, their physical strength and flexibility, and their disability. Actually, cats don’t pretend they don’t care. The truth is, they really don’t care. You may not like such nonchalant behavior, but felines don’t mind either, so you might as well accept it.