Kitty Culture: How Cat Ownership Evolved Over Millennia

There’s no question we’ve become a feline-obsessed culture. They’re in a majority of American homes, they’ve infiltrated YouTube, and cat characters abound in pop culture. And when we look at the cats we love, it can feel overwhelmingly like we just couldn’t live without them – aside from all the obvious reasons (they’re beautiful, clever, snuggly, and smart).
The history of cat ownership was initially built on mutual benefit, but has become so much more.
Where It Began
What’s so striking about our affinity for all things feline is that, originally, we didn’t domesticate cats because they did things for us. Unlike horses that hauled heavy goods, or goats that provided meat, cats just started poking around ancient settlements looking for their own snacks.
Approximately 10,000 years ago, these Near Eastern predators were indirectly attracted by our first efforts toward large-scale agricultural endeavors. Various rodents brought in by the abundance of grain facilitated what would eventually become the best possible friendship.
The Theory Is…
While other predators like foxes or raccoons entered human settlements around the same time as our cats’ ancestors, they didn’t end up making the same connections. One theory is that cats, with their big eyes, chatty conversations, responsive mewling, and playfulness may have reminded us of human children
In other words, their aesthetics paired with exceptional hunting prowess, earned their right place among early people of Egypt and Syria.
Moving On Out
It is believed that the ancient relatives of today’s domestic cats were brought from the Middle East to Europe around 3000 years ago. Prized for their pest control capabilities, Romans may have brought cats between battle sites all over Europe.
Feline migrations ultimately settled in the United Kingdom where they were picked up by the Vikings about 1000 years ago.
Praised, then Persecuted
About 300 years afterwards they were taken to Norway to populate the northern countries. People began to suspect cats of an involvement in witchcraft. Quite terribly and sadly, cats were hunted, slaughtered, and burned by the hundreds of thousands.
In a heavy dose of feline irony, rodents were implicated in the quick spread of Europe’s Bubonic plague. Had cats been around in greater numbers, human casualties could have been drastically reduced.
American Felines
Traders leaving Europe for the New World always had cats on board. Thus, the introduction of domesticated cats in America was established, and the history of cat ownership has never been the same.
Cat Ownership
With millions of well-loved cats in the U.S, owning a cat has never been so easy or fun. And, with overall wellness care, disease prevention, and dental care, cats have never enjoyed longer, healthier and happier lives.
If you have additional questions about feline history or cat ownership, please contact our exclusively feline hospital. Cat Care of Vinings is always here for you!
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This veterinary clinic changed my cat's entire life…[he had] severe dental problems… I was reluctant to…do the procedures… I cannot stress how happy I am… Everyone treats the cats with love and care, and they treat the people with respect and offer great advice.
…more information than the previous…places… Also,…we did not feel like they were pressuring us into paying for expensive procedures that may or may not work… [They] actually showed care and concern for our kitty…
At Cat Care of Vinings, every person…demonstrated care. Everything was well explained… I received phone calls updating me on his progress and asking how he was after I took him home. They are compassionate and knowledgeable about cats and that is what really matters.
The Vets have taken time to know and understand both my kitties. All clinic staff are caring, knowledgeable, and generally first rate.
These people love your pet almost as much as you do… This seems less like a business and more like a labor of love. [They]…always keep you in the loop of what is happening…and put both you and your pet at ease…providing first rate care for you cat.
The veterinarians and staff here are very professional, caring and thorough (they check for things other vet clinics don’t). They genuinely love their clients (i.e. cats)…
I am extremely fortunate to have taken her to Cat Care of Vinings… They take time to listen…answer questions, offer guidance…compassion, and give frequent and welcome updates.
I have had cats my whole life and have used many veterinarians over the years. Cat Care of Vinings provides the best care I have ever received for my 'kids' - cats
CCV is a warm, quiet environment that helps my nervous cat feel more comfortable… The vet techs and office staff are skilled, helpful and friendly. A+
…We must say that Dr. Jennifer Palmer…is the BEST. Her medical experience, bedside manner, candor, and quest for knowledge…is immeasurable. She goes beyond the call of duty to ‘reach-out’ for answers and health options you may not be aware of.
Cat Care is exactly what it says. The whole office is geared toward all felines… There are cat trees, and cat friendly furniture throughout. But is what is more important is the feline expertise…
Where do I begin? There are so many positives about Cat Care of Vinings…this entire practice is on a whole other level… The environment is relaxing and the staff are comforting and supportive.
Dr. Michael Friedlander is experienced, capable, kind, and caring with my cat and with me. Her staff is also excellent. Besides the excellent care for my cat, Michael also educated me on what I need to do to take care of my cat, such as vaccinations and heart worm prevention. This is a top notch feline veterinary hospital with a top notch staff!
I was shocked at how little we knew even after more than a decade of cat ownership and regular vet visits. I really can't say enough about how thrilled we are with Dr. Palmer and Cat Care of Vinings. We just feel so fortunate to have you in our lives and are most grateful. Thank you all for all that you do! :-)