The history of the world according to cats - Eva-Maria Geigl | Summary and Q&A

Summary

This video explores the domestication of cats and their journey from wild predators to naval officers and beloved companions. It highlights the historical significance of cats in different civilizations and their role in controlling vermin on ships.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the domestication of house cats begin?

The domestication of house cats can be traced back over 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent during the Neolithic era. Neolithic farmers stored excess grain in pits and silos, attracting rodents and their predator, the wildcat Felis silvestris lybica. As the wildcats learned to tolerate the presence of humans and other cats during mealtime, farmers tolerated them in exchange for pest control.

Q: How did cats migrate with Neolithic farmers?

The cats migrated with Neolithic farmers from Anatolia into Europe and the Mediterranean due to the mutually beneficial relationship of rodent control. They became essential sailing companions as vermin were a major problem on ships, eating provisions and gnawing at rope lines.

Q: How were cats revered in Egyptian culture?

In Egyptian culture, cats were revered for their abilities to kill venomous snakes, catch birds, and kill rats. They gained immortality in various forms of art and were even mummified alongside their owners. Egyptian ship cats served as protectors against poisonous river snakes on the Nile and continued to travel across Europe with their owners.

Q: What lineage do most house cats descend from?

Most house cats today descend from either the Near Eastern or the Egyptian lineage of Felis silvestris lybica. Genetic analysis and coat patterns indicate that modern cats are genetically similar to ancient cats, with little alteration to their natural behaviors.

Q: How have humans altered the behavior of cats?

Unlike dogs, which have undergone centuries of selective breeding, humans have done little to alter the natural behaviors of cats. While some cats today may be more social and docile, they are still considered wild animals and fierce hunters. Cats do not see humans as their keepers.

Q: Why were cats important on ships?

Cats were important on ships due to their role in controlling vermin. They ate the rodents that infested ships, preventing them from consuming provisions and damaging ropes. Cats have a long history of accompanying sailors and were seen as essential companions on sea journeys.

Q: How did cats reach different parts of the world?

Cats reached different parts of the world through migration and travel with humans. For example, during the time of the Roman Empire, ships traveling between India and Egypt carried the lineage of the central Asian wildcat F. s. ornata. In the Middle Ages, Egyptian cats voyaged with Viking seafarers to the Baltic Sea. Cats from both the Near Eastern and North African wildcat lineages continued to travel across Europe and eventually reached Australia and the Americas.

Q: How long have cats been working alongside humans?

Cats have been working alongside humans for thousands of years. Their cooperation and pest control abilities have made them valuable to farmers, sailors, and various civilizations throughout history.

Q: What were the main differences between ancient wildcats and domestic cats?

The main differences between ancient wildcats and domestic cats are that the wildcats were more muscular, had striped coats, and were less social towards other cats and humans. Domestication and centuries of interaction with humans have made modern cats more social and accustomed to human presence.

Q: How did a cat survive multiple ship sinkings?

The cat named Unsinkable Sam survived multiple ship sinkings through sheer luck. After the sinking of the German battleship Bismarck, Sam clung to a floating plank and was rescued by a British destroyer. He went on to serve on three more ships, one of which also sank, before retiring to the Belfast Home for Sailors.

Takeaways

The domestication of cats dates back thousands of years and is closely tied to the development of agriculture and the need for pest control. Cats have played significant roles in different civilizations, from protecting against venomous snakes in Egypt to accompanying sailors on sea voyages. Despite their long history alongside humans, cats have retained their wild nature and hunting instincts. They are cooperative companions but do not see humans as their keepers.