Friday Cat Blogging: On the domestication of cats
Another Friday, another chance to blog about cats.
Most people can probably guess that cats were first domesticated in ancient Egypt. Ever wonder when or why?
Q: When were cats first domesticated?
A: According to the Britannica article on domestic cats, there is hard evidence that they were domesticated at least 3,500 years ago (around 1,500 BCE), although some speculate they were domesticated before that.
Q: Why were cats first domesticated?
A: “It is probable that the Egyptians domesticated the cat because they realized its value in protecting granaries from rodents. Their affection and respect for this predator led to the development of religious cat cults and temple worship of cats.” [Origin and history of cats: Domestication from cat, domestic from Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service. Accessed June 24, 2005.]
The picture, by the way, is a sculpture of the ancient Egyptian goddess Bastet, apparently thanking the academy. Note the four little cats sitting by her feet. Cute, no?