Cats have been part of human history since the dawn of civilization, and they’ve played an important role in many different cultures around the world. From ancient Egypt to Japan and everywhere in between, cats have left their paw prints on our collective history.
The History of Cats Around The World is a comprehensive look at how cats have been viewed, worshipped, feared and loved throughout different countries across the globe over thousands of years. We’ll explore everything from the myths surrounding them to their impact on politics and society. You’ll learn about some surprising facts you never knew before!
So if you love cats or just want to know more about them, this is a great place to start your journey into cat culture around the world.
Enjoy!
Cats have been revered throughout history in many cultures. In ancient Egypt, cats were considered sacred and were often mummified after they died. The goddess Bastet was typically represented as a cat or woman with a cat’s head, and the killing of a cat was punishable by death.
In China, cats were believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. The Manchu people of northern China even believed that cats had supernatural powers, such as being able to see ghosts. In Japan, cats are still seen as symbols of good luck and fortune and are often associated with shrines and temples.
Cats can also be found all over Europe in folklore, literature and art. In the Middle Ages, cats were believed to be witches’ familiars and were persecuted as a result. Later on in the Renaissance period, cats became popular pets due to their association with status and sophistication.
In more recent history, cats have been used for political purposes. For instance, Russian Tsar Nicholas II is said to have ordered all stray cats in St Petersburg rounded up and drowned in order to keep down the rat population during a time of famine.
Cats are beloved by millions around the world today, from the tiniest kittens all the way up to celebrity felines like Grumpy Cat or Maru. So whether you’re an ancient Egyptian worshipping Bastet or a modern-day cat lover, cats have certainly left their mark on our history and culture.