The History Of Cats: A Journey Through Time

Cats have been part of our world for thousands of years, and in that time, they've gone from wild hunters to our favorite couch companions. Their journey through history is full of surprises—and it just makes us love them even more.

One of the first places they really made a name for themselves was ancient Egypt. Back then, cats were basically VIPs. They kept homes free of pests, sure—but they were also considered sacred. Egyptians believed they had a connection to the divine; you can even find them in temples and artwork. The goddess Bastet, with her feline features, was all about protection, grace, and a little bit of mystery (sounds familiar, right?). People took their cats seriously—so much so that harming one was a huge deal with major consequences.

From there, cats made their way across the globe, adapting to all sorts of environments and cultures. In some places, they were admired. In others, misunderstood. In China, they were welcomed for their pest-hunting skills—but they were also admired for their elegance and quiet nature. Over time, cats became symbols of good fortune and harmony. They show up in poetry, art, and even spiritual traditions. Keeping a cat at home was believed to bring peace and protect books and scrolls from mice (and maybe a little chaos, too). Their calm presence and watchful eyes earned them a special place in Chinese households that continues to this day.

In Europe, however, their journey wasn’t always as smooth. During the Middle Ages, cats—especially black ones—became tangled in superstition. People started linking them to witches, the supernatural, and bad luck. Some even believed black cats were witches in disguise or companions to dark magic. This connection with witchcraft eventually made black cats an enduring symbol of Halloween, thanks to their mysterious and eerie charm. Sadly, these myths fueled centuries of fear and suspicion, but despite it all, cats continued to be quietly appreciated and slowly started winning hearts again.

Fast forward to today, and cats are the second most popular household pet in the world (right behind dogs—but we won’t tell your cat that). Whether they’re loafing in a sunny spot or launching into a midnight zoomie session, cats continue to be the perfect mix of chill, curious, and totally irresistible.

So yeah—your cat may be lounging around like they own the place... but in a way, they kind of do. And they’ve had centuries to perfect it.