Personalise this Cat Wooden Sign with up to two lines of up to 15 characters on each line.
Wooden shaped decoration is made from wood with a ribbon attached, ready to hang.
Ribbon colour may vary.
Ideal for Christmas, Birthdays, New Pets.
NOTE: Due to the nature of this product and the font type used please refrain from using all capitals in your personalised message. If the message is all in capitals you will find the personalisation extremely difficult to understand and may even result in personalisation being missed off the product. Many thanks for your cooperation.
Louise - Acceptable
LOUISE - Not acceptable
The history of cats being domesticated
The history of cats being domesticated is a fascinating tale that spans thousands of years and is closely intertwined with human civilization. Unlike dogs, which were domesticated for practical purposes such as hunting and guarding, the domestication of cats primarily arose from their unique ability to control vermin populations.
The exact origins of cat domestication are still somewhat shrouded in mystery, as the process likely occurred gradually over time. The earliest evidence of human-cat interaction dates back to around 9,000 years ago in the Near East, specifically in the region known as the Fertile Crescent, which includes present-day countries such as Iraq, Iran, and Syria. Archaeological excavations have uncovered the remains of cats buried alongside humans, suggesting a certain level of companionship.
One prevailing theory regarding the domestication of cats suggests that wildcats, particularly the African wildcat (Felis lybica), played a crucial role. These wildcats were attracted to early human settlements due to the presence of rodents that feasted on stored grains. Humans likely welcomed the cats' presence as they helped keep the vermin populations in check, thereby protecting their food supplies.
Over time, a mutually beneficial relationship developed between humans and cats. Cats provided pest control, while humans provided food and shelter. This led to a process of self-domestication, as cats with less aggressive and more sociable traits were more likely to be tolerated and cared for by humans. The cats that were friendlier and better able to coexist with humans were more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their favorable traits to subsequent generations.
The ancient Egyptians played a significant role in elevating the status of cats. Cats were highly revered in ancient Egyptian society, and they were associated with various deities. The goddess Bastet, often depicted with the head of a lioness or a domestic cat, was the goddess of home, fertility, and protection. Killing a cat, even accidentally, was considered a grave offense and could result in severe punishments, sometimes even death.
The Egyptians' reverence for cats led to their widespread domestication and selective breeding for certain traits. Cats were kept as pets and companions, and they were also employed to protect food stores and crops from vermin. The Egyptians recognized the valuable role cats played in controlling pests, and their high regard for felines spread throughout neighboring regions.
From Egypt, the domesticated cat's popularity gradually spread to other parts of the world through trade and exploration. Phoenician traders, for example, are believed to have transported cats to Europe and other regions during their seafaring ventures. Cats became valued companions on ships, helping to control rat populations that posed a threat to provisions.
The influence of cats expanded further during the Middle Ages when the bubonic plague, also known as the Black Death, ravaged Europe. As the disease spread through rat fleas, cats' presence became vital in curbing the rodent population and reducing the transmission of the plague. Cats were actively encouraged and protected, leading to their widespread presence in cities and villages.
In more recent centuries, cats have continued to be cherished companions and pets. With the advent of cat breeding and cat shows in the 19th century, the variety of domestic cat breeds expanded, showcasing the diversity of physical appearances and temperaments.
Today, cats are one of the most popular pets worldwide, and their domestication has come a long way from their humble beginnings as pest controllers in ancient civilizations. They provide companionship, emotional support, and entertainment to millions of people, making them an integral part of countless households around the globe.
The history of cats being domesticated is a testament to the enduring bond between humans and animals, as well as the practical benefits that arise from these relationships. Whether it's their captivating independence, their soothing purrs, or their playful antics, cats have undoubtedly earned their place in our homes and hearts throughout history.
