: While celebrated in the East as symbols of good fortune (like the Japanese Maneki Neko ), they faced darker times in Medieval Europe, where they were occasionally feared as symbols of witchcraft. Understanding the Kitty: Biology and Behavior
: Cats were so revered in Ancient Egypt that they were associated with the goddess Bastet and mummified alongside their owners. : While celebrated in the East as symbols
The relationship between humans and cats began roughly in the Fertile Crescent . Unlike many animals that were actively tamed by humans, scientists often argue that cats "domesticated themselves". As early agricultural societies began storing grain, they attracted rodents, which in turn attracted wildcats ( Felis silvestris lybica ). Humans tolerated these small predators for their pest-control skills, eventually leading to a mutually beneficial living arrangement. Unlike many animals that were actively tamed by
A "kitty" is not just a pet; it is a highly evolved, obligate carnivore with sharp instincts. The Natural History of Domestic Cats | Alley Cat Allies A "kitty" is not just a pet; it