A human, offering multiple ideas of treats, snacks, and fish to a his overlord cat. Felis silvestris lybica domesticated large numbers of humans along their timeline in history. Nothings changed except the platters.
Felis silvestris lybica domesticated large numbers of humans along their timeline in history. Nothings changed except the platters.

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The History of Cats and Human’s Domestication

Kathy LaFollett
4 min readAug 1, 2023

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An adult relaxed tabby cat laying on his back in his cardboard box.
Never ask a cat a question when they are boxed. It’s for the better.

Our overlords history begins with Felis silvestris lybica, wildcats, in the Fertile Crescent during the Near East Neolithic period. Then ancient Egypt during the Classical period. Timing aside, Felis silvestris lybica domesticated large numbers of humans along their timeline in history. “In ancient times, cats were worshiped as gods; they have not forgotten this.” warned Terry Pratchett.

A large grey longhair cat laying in a too small box in a hilarious manner. Never tell a cat the box is too small for them. This is rude. Cats aren’t interested in your opinions.
Never tell a cat the box is too small for them. This is rude. Cats aren’t interested in your opinions.

Chances are good your cat is a descendant of Felis silvestris lybica. And yes, Sylvester the Cat was named after Felis silvestris lybica. Currently, there are 144 Cat Cafes in the United States serving tea, coffee, and cold drinks, with cats ready to receive your adoration. Cats were worshipped in Fertile Crescent and Egypt with festivals, ceremonies, and chants, including beverages of worship. Nothing’s changed in 12,000 years, except the cupcakes.

Of the 144 cat cafes found nationally, Florida has 10% of the total. Of the state’s total, St Petersburg has three. Of which, none of the cats living in the city believe are enough. Living in St Petersburg I’ve witnessed their disdain about the count. There’s a groundswell in the cat community pushing for cafes, rescues, sanctuaries, and other places of worship. Cats wait, impatiently sprawled on our bed, couch, chair, or window frame. Tail swinging slowly back and forth, counting the seconds to minutes and the minutes to lunch. They scowl as we walk by their dosing gaze. Our cats know the deal with the dogs and the dog bars and cafes. This entire dog issue has been going on a millennium.

An orange tabby cat peaking out an empty shipping box, over the edge of and end flap. If you see your cat in a box, no you don’t. Keep walking until you have been summarily bagged like prey.
If you see your cat in a box, no you don’t. Keep walking until you have been summarily bagged like prey.

Dogs were the first domesticated animals. Humans created cooperation for hunting and guarding. Wild dogs and wolves soon added up the ease with which food came to them if they worked alongside humans, each seeking the same goal. Food and safe shelter. Man’s best friend simply agreed…

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Kathy LaFollett
Kathy LaFollett

Written by Kathy LaFollett

I am a nature and animal lover, artist, and Indie Publishing Author | amazon.com/author/kathy.lafollett | kathylafollett.com

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