History and Housecats, a tale of Civilization

When talking about technological advances in human history, few are as important to sea-faring trade (and modern social media) as the domestication of 'felis catus.' The History Guy remembers the forgotten history of house cats, who may be more important to civilization than you ever imagined.
The History Guy uses images that are in the Public Domain. As photographs of actual events are often not available, I will sometimes use photographs of similar events or objects for illustration.
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The episode is intended for educational purposes. All events are presented in historical context.
#history #thehistoryguy #cat

[@elsiestormont1366]

Several years ago, our local borough animal shelter was plagued by rodents. All types of traps and poisons were in use. When a local veterinarian came on staff as the director, she gave instructions to remove the traps and poisons then personally chose two cats from the "inmate" population and gave them the run of the shelter. The rodents problem was solved. No one needs to build a better mouse trap - they simply need to adopt a cat.

[@arkytn]

Dog have Owners, Cats have Staff.

[@jturtle5318]

Mine have servants.

[@jasonshade2656]

Both have masters, who demand love over their own well-being.

[@davo2003hd]

Vikings gave kittens to newlywed wives as a wedding gift. A essential part of the household.

[@765respect]

Bring that tradition back! That would be my most treasured gift.

[@VarangianGuard13]

They were very fond of practical and useful gifts. It's unrelated, but some old tales claim that when a young man reached a certain age, his father or another male relative would present him with a special comb, only to be used for his facial hair. The ancient Norse were quite particular about their grooming, as well as their gifts.

[@ghostchaser13]

Probably were the Norwegian Forest cats! Love them, they act like dogs. And the Vikings had the Norwegian Forest cats on board their ships.

[@steveparr9097]

Agreed.

[@melanietoth1376]

I love this

[@jtoddjb]

most farms still have working cats. In fact I've never been to a farm that didn't. Some are semi-feral and you hardly see them, but others are friendly and come over for a rub just like any typical housecat. One of my pet cats was a kitten I took home from the first farm I worked on as a teenager. His name was Bernard. Damn good cat. I'm 45 now, still involved in farming and have no idea how I'd ever survive or make any money without my cat and dog helpers

[@condorboss3339]

"A Chinese legend says cats were sent down by the Gods to oversee the running of creation, but were too fond of sleeping to do a good job of it." I laughed.

[@kimosabe6692]

Yep so did I.

[@comradekenobi6908]

LOL

[@michaelbaughman4017]

Legend has it that cats were not part of creation. On the ARK rats and mice were running amok. So the LORD caused the lion to sneeze and from that sneeze the CAT was formed 😷🐈

[@comradekenobi6908]

@@michaelbaughman4017 clearly cats are Übermensch

[@repeatdefender6032]

same 😹

[@juststeve5542]

To quote the late, great Terry Pratchett, In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this.

[@TedBronson1918]

Love Pratchett... he was right. Also, his character "Death" didn't "hold with cruelty to cats". When a newly deceased person asked Death what things made life worth living, Death replied "Cats... cats are nice." Pratchett was a great mind !

[@godfreecharlie]

Many times I have obeyed the commands of the cat(s) that held dominance over my living space. Out of treats at 10pm, off to the store. Wanting entertainment at 5:30am, sure, no problem.

[@johnoakes3106]

My two certainly have not!

[@popzstudios6358]

@@godfreecharlie Once you get a cat, it is no longer your house, it's the cat's house.

[@dreamingflurry2729]

@@godfreecharlie Lucky me that stores are closed at this time in Germany (and gas-stations don't normally sell cat-food!) ;)

[@brucelytle1144]

My cat, named "Bird", was the ships cat on S.S. Cape Intrepid for 3 years in the 90's. Technically he "wasn't there", yet he roamed the ship at will, even riding the elevator.

[@mwa66212]

My wife and I took in an injured feral cat and while it healed we noticed how the property became over run with mice, rabbits, squirrel and chipmunk. It's amazing how one feral cat can control an ecology.

[@annpino5005]

We had a problem with rats finding a way into our house. We had a pest control company come out multiple times, to no avail. When I told my father, who grew up in a rural area in the 1940s and 1950s, he said to forget the commercial companies and get a cat. So the next time we saw a stray in the yard, we fed it to encourage it to return. Very soon after that, not only did my husband and I have a pet cat, we had no more rats. Cats are awesome.

[@gardensofthegods]

Ann Pino Just curious do you mind telling us where it is you live but there are rats trying to come into your house

[@layna-heyhey]

yup get a mouser, or a barn cat.

[@gardensofthegods]

Ann Pino A long long time ago I lived in a neighborhood that was having a mouse problem.. it was really weird... and the apartment I had everything on Victorian building had mice..gray mice. Somebody said get a cat as soon as my smelly cat they will vacate.. all I can tell you is I stopped seeing mouse droppings and other evidence of them within a few days after I got a cat. It doesn't mean they totally vacated the building.. they were probably still hiding in the walls and under the floors but at least they were not making themselves known .

[@caninedrill_instructor5861]

@@shesnailie You'd better copyright and trademark that... lol

[@lunkystraydog6572]

we live across form large farm fields, my cats are always walking around with some sort of mouse in their mouths.

[@johnoakes3106]

I visited the grave of Simon in London. He is the ONLY ships cat that has been buried with full British navel honours in British history. The gentleman who worked at the cemetery where Simon is interred, told me old sailors who were with Simon still come by and place wreaths and flowers on his grave. How neat is that?

[@jlwaddey9579]

very!

[@eaterofclams]

..."navel honours"? Is that like where you put like a pretty stone in one?

[@phillipadams6735]

I believe that's Captain Simon, my friend. That cat is a war hero. Show a little respect.

[@Vinny-bb2tj]

so cool

[@kittypage333]

@@tchrisou812 wonderful article, thank you!!

[@davkatjenn]

My wife and I have had nine cats and have loved them all.

[@peekaboo4390]

I have had many cats over the years and everyone of them was and is a true friend.

[@saydvoncripps]

Working cats are still alive and kicking here in the uk. I've got more than one cat from farms where they happily hunted rats and mice. One was a ratter called Dexter that could -and did- kill a dozen rats a day from local chicken coops. He remains a hero to us all. He died a few months back, an old warrior and is missed every day.

[@rocklandtaylor9021]

IN HAWAII, MY GUY IS A WORKER.

[@saydvoncripps]

I had a cat called Dexter (before the TV series). When a neighbour got chickens (yes, in London you can raise chickens) the area was over run with rats. On a single day, there were a dozen dead rats in my garden all killed by Dexter. Between him and a fox who lived in an alley, they kept the houses free of them. There should be a monument to them both!

[@tommypetraglia4688]

cat: hey, are you going to eat that? human: um.., that's a rat. They've been showing up ever since we started harvesting grain. We don't eat them, they eat our food. cat: free game then... cool. human: be my guest. cat: hey is this spot free? It looks warm and I need a place to have my litter. human: this is my house. Feel free. Just don't get stepped on. cat: hey can you watch my kittens for me? I need to hunt and I don't want predators finding them. human: holy shit these buggers are cute. Don't worry nothing will happen to them. cat: I'm going to curl up in your lap now and purr and you're going to love me. human: I'm cool with that.

[@LazyIRanch]

Right on! I would never trust anyone who doesn't melt at the sight of kittens.

[@johannasadventures3467]

PREACH

[@ContagiousRepublic]

Toxoplasma gondii at work!

[@johnm249]

I am adog guy but having cats to eat rats would be cool.

[@actionman9357]

@@ContagiousRepublic Sad & very true!

[@glennlaroche1524]

My feline overlords have requested that I pass along the following: Best. Episode. Ever.

[@dinkmartini3236]

suckup. ;/

[@kurtsnyder4752]

@@dinkmartini3236 On Catwoman, oh YES!

[@honestycounts9352]

Important things I have learned from my cat: (1) Naps are always a good idea. ... (2) Don't be afraid to ask for what you want. ... (3) Go on as many adventures as possible. ... (4) Any time is play time. ...

[@stringedassassin]

Cats absolutely rule... I will still use Egyptian sentencing guidelines if I catch anyone messing with a cat.

[@alegnalowe3679]

Damn right!

[@clydepiper4046]

They where sent by the Gods to over see creation, but were too fond of sleeping...LOL - I love cats

[@perrydowd9285]

@Clams McGee Don't you hare it when another grammar Nazi beats you to the comment section.😿

[@jasoncaldwell8199]

I laughed at that too!

[@bluesira]

@@perrydowd9285 *hate, not hare LMAO

[@perrydowd9285]

@@bluesira Oh dear. I'd blame autocorrect but even I wouldn't believe it.😺

[@bluesira]

@@perrydowd9285 LMAO

[@rickshay8779]

While some are destroying history, you are bring it to masses. Thanks for your efforts. They are appreciated.

[@jett8193]

So, over covid lockdown, we were adopted by a neighborhood stray/abandoned(?) cat. She's all moved in & does mouse control quite efficiently. We didn't have a choice in the matter, because, cats...😸

[@dangerouslytalented]

We didn’t domesticate cats, they decided to take control.

[@sharonmullins1957]

Great response!

[@marcusvachon845]

You may be right. Maybe the cats wanted to take want the dogs were enjoying.

[@alexbrown1930]

We didn't domesticate nature's perfect killing machines. They domesticated us. All hail our feline overlords!

[@leeeastwood6368]

yes, and they're still trying to perfect the cat thumb!!

[@thunderchief7]

You are correct. The most recent studies have shown that cats domesticated themselves, not the other way around.

[@tombruner9634]

"If cats could talk, they wouldn't." - Nan Porter

[@shadetreewelding]

Oh no, my cats are very vocal and I am sure cussing at me regularly.

[@melanietoth1376]

My neighborhood has a rat and mouse problem. My 2 year old cat is an excellent mouser and has sometimes caught 3-4 in a day! He will take out an entire nest going back to get another each time he finishes one. He has had worms and such but he has a regular vet and all his shots. He is my working cat. I have two others who are older and more decorative ♡

[@freedapeeple4049]

The difference between a good KZbin presenter and a bad one: A good presenter speaks to the audience, whereas a bad presenter speaks to the camera. Another great job, HG!

[@erictaylor5462]

Thousands of years ago, somewhere in North Africa (or Mesopotamia) a wild cat joins his friends after a night of hunting with a wild tail and a very full belly. "Hey guys, you know those stupid looking animals that are too big to eat?" "The ones who keep putting mouse food out?" "Yes! Those ones." "They are so weird. Who wants to feed mice?" "Well, I don't think they want to feed mice." "Then why do they keep putting out mouse food?" "Well, last night I was really hungry and, knowing about all the mice, I figured I'd go catch a few. I mean those stupid animals have so many, they'd never miss a few. "Well, I got a bit carried away because the mice were so tasty and easy to catch I didn't notice one of the stupid looking animals watching me. I figured I was in big trouble, but then I realized the stupid looking animal wasn't angry, he was pleased! It turns out, they don't want to feed mice, they want to feed *US!* The next night that very same cat introduced his friends to the stupid looking animals, and thus Humans were domesticated.

[@thebookdragon8662]

+Eric Very well done, praise from a professional writer.

[@erictaylor5462]

Thank you. My mother was a writer and had a bunch of stuff published mostly magazine articles.

[@Free_Krazy]

This actually makes more sence the more you think about it.... It was definetly cats taking over (domesticating) humans, ppl are allways keeping an eye out for the day cats take over the world... But that day has allready come... This was their plan all along, a subtle takeover we never saw to keep us looking forward when the actual horror is allready upon us! I get the feeling sometimes Buddy isnt showing of his hunt, hes showing off whos boss....

[@bwanabwana9523]

Eric Taylor , so true !

[@jashanestone]

Love this.. 😹😹😹😹

[@fubarmodelyard1392]

The airport in New Orleans was called Moisant long ago. It was named after early aviator John Moisant who had a cat named fifi. She was the first cat to fly across the English channel

[@johnw2026]

The rank of "Able Seacat!" I love it! Lol lol! :-D

[@saltservice4024]

Agreed, it's a nice touch. To elaborate personally. It's quite noble that something like a military can recognise another species different to itself, to say "Well actually this cat deserves a medal and we are going to give this cat one." something that even humans themselves have to earn, definitely a mark of respect to the nature we share on this planet.

[@philvanderlaan5942]

The SeaCat is a missile

[@northdakotaham1752]

"The smallest feline is a masterpiece" Leonardo da Vinci

[@rickdees251]

I had a cat named Blackie. Without a doubt the most memorable cat I ever owned. Four. Of time I lived on a 40-foot sailboat with the cat. Other boaters in the marina upon meeting me queried "Is fat black cat yours?" . After saying yes they would always tell me how friendly and impressed they were with his personality. I had him for 13 years and eventually had to put him down after he went into renal failure. He was amazing and a wonderful companion. Truly a one-of-a-kind cat, a once-in-a-lifetime cat.

[@cleemccarthy1022]

The sad thing about cats There time with us is limited.

[@emintey]

Despite their noted reputation for independence they also form very strong bonds with their human companions. They are fascinating creatures.

[@christian-michaelhansen471]

I have a 28 lb Radial Tabby/Maine Coon. His full name is Turbo The Terrible Tornado. He is as close to a child I have ever had. He seems to understand basic English and will do as I ask, provided he doesn’t hav any other pressing matter. His nickname is ‘Stop & Flop’ because he will walk ahead of you, then suddenly lay down in what I refer to as his ‘$5 Whore Pose’ when he flops, rolls onto his back and stretches his full length, in hopes of a belly rub. He is an excellent hunter who regularly brings in mice and rats from outdoors, as well as indoor mice. He lays them just inside my bedroom door, and once brought a mouse he was torturing onto my bed. He is an astounding pet and guard cat. Thanks for letting me know his history!

[@xaenon]

In a Persian legend, cats were woven from smoke, flame, and the two brightest stars in the sky. I really like that legend. It's so fitting.

[@ZenZaBill]

"In the eyes of cats, all things belong to cats."

[@MrPh30]

The Russian Siberian cat was gathered up by the thousands from Siberia and sent to Len8ngrad to rid the town of vermins after the siege was over. The Siberian Forest cat was named a Soviet Hero for the race.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

MrPh30 the Siberian cat is really interesting. It is a landrace. It was derived from domestic cats that escaped and became feral. They were geographically isolated enough to form their own traits (though not a subspecies) and has since been selectively bred.

[@MrPh30]

A neighbor had one before they moved to new place , they brought him along. He learnt our cats which we got a little later how to hunt and watch themselves in teaffic. I saw him once next to a shrubbery, a person and a dog on leach came walking towards him. He ducked down flat like a sniper in training, crawled catefully backwards with his fore arms and paws crossed. Just like i learnt in Guards Regiment basic service. He crawled into the hole in the shrubbery, and he carefully ,but quickly covered the hole up with leaves and branches. Another time on the parking lot it was seagullsm he stealthly stalked on his belly like a swat sniper in city operation on the inside of the sidestone level for natural camuflage . He almost got the gull,but it flew. He was meowing like cussing over the loss of it . And he also he knocked on windows like a person for attention and that he learnt our cats.,very vice the Siberians are and excellent field capabillity.

[@strangerhorse5209]

Thanks for sharing your stories. Did you know that several forms of martial arts are based on the movement and tactics of cats?

[@runlarryrun77]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel I have a Siberian. She's been so selectively bred that she's developed feline dwarfism. Apparently the breeding stock got very low in the UK around 20 years ago & some lines of the Siberian stock got inbred as a result. Other than that she's a perfectly happy & healthy kitty.

[@runlarryrun77]

I share my house with a female Siberian. She is an excellent hunter, more so than any other cat I've known in the past. However she's not nasty or spiteful. She's the most affectionate & intelligent cat I've ever had the privilege of being around.

[@ike_of_the_greil_mercenari465]

"Domestication" is a bit strong. Cats are more tamed than domesticated. The differences between wolves and dogs are vast. The domesticated house cat is very similar to its forebearers.

[@bugwar5545]

Cats are not tame. They simply bred us to accept their ways.

[@howlandowlle7953]

3:57 -- The crucial point. "Something in their genetic variance...made them more willing to approach humans." This essential observation of who approached whom tells us who domesticated whom.

[@racerx4152]

I've gotten more love and entertainment from cat's than I ever got from human's. My mother grew up on a farm and she told me they had 11 cat's and she had names for all of them.

[@diabolicalmistercheeze5719]

I love my cats. I try to tolerate people...

[@rwcraver]

Yep. There is little doubt where you stand with a cat. If they like us we will know quickly, if they don't like us we will know even quicker. A good number of people will smile and tell of their adoration while plotting how to use or destroy someone, I was married to one of them, and work(ed) for/with several; fortunately not all people are that way.

[@Delgen1951]

Cats are a very good judge of character.

[@jashanestone]

So do I.. 😸😸😸

[@antoniovillanueva308]

You Are Not Alone. I am trying to befriend a cat at a highway rest stop right now. I'm in Oregon and I don't figure he'll survive the winter.

[@becauseican5511]

Best comment

[@jasonhobb4520]

I guarantee they also found water for people. On two different occasions one of my cats has led me to a hidden stream.

[@machematix]

Do you go hiking with your cats?

[@darkhorse1691]

I learned to love cats and concequently all animals because of my wife and her wonderful outlook on life. I thank God for her every day.

[@vanpenguin22]

My heart belongs to a woman of much the same effect on me. I would make her my wife in a New York second if only she fealt the same

[@bret9741]

I grew up on a sheep and cattle ranch near Piñon New Mexico. My grandfather born in 1889 Ira Tidwell had worked at the silver city mine. He married a daughter of the mine supervising engineer. He had a 4th grade education and his wife, my grandmother had a college education. Anyway he homestead a piece of land near Piñon. I don’t know the date. I do know he was at silver city when the US drafted him because his draft card said he worked in silver city and because of glasses was unfit to fight. So they sent him to work the ship yards for a little over a year in San Francisco. After the war he was able to buy up other people’s land that had also homesteader a “section - one square mile) of land. In keeping with your cat history, one of the first things he did was bring wild cats to the homestead. He forbid anyone to feed the cats. Somehow they managed to feed themselves. I saw them with mice, birds, rattle snakes, etc. one of our larger male cars sometime would show up with a young jackrabbit. I could pet most of them and my dad gave them vaccines and flea and tick medications. We seldom saw any damage from mice. Occasionally we would find where they had ate their way into oats or corn sacks. They never seemed to get far though. If my memory serves me right, we had 21 cats in 1980. Other ranchers also had cats and we would see their Toms roaming as many as 15 miles from their home.

[@123Crew123]

Cool story!

[@marisadam12]

Interesting story.

[@pozzee2809]

Did he have them fixed to, so they wouldn’t inbreed and would stay near home to “work”?

[@jasonp3484]

I have 6 cats and not a rodent or bug in sight. They tortured a fly that took a wrong turn, I was more than delighted......6 cats chasing a fly around the house is more than amusing

[@spikespa5208]

If they don't wreck the place in the effort, like mine would.

[@alegnalowe3679]

You cant beat a working cat.We know that dogs are not the only ones that do that.

[@racinsparky]

If you want to have a lot of fun, let a June bug into the house. They usually last less than 5 minutes, but the cats really love the excitement.

[@alegnalowe3679]

@@racinsparky heck yeah!

[@captainchaos1311]

I have 8 and they just stay in the kitchen all day wanting food not catching anything

[@downhill240]

My wide and I have had about thirty cats in the last 35 years. As many as 12 at one time. We're down to 6 now. They are wonderful creatures. Each with a unique personality. They have a way of making you realize how simple life really is, simply by being there!

[@melodysopinionfrannie4300]

I live with 4 crazy girl cats....Sally...Queen Nix...Lee Lou and Kalley! They’re like my children I even have a stray that adopted me Blue...the world can pretty well be divided into dog and cat people! They give so much love...but they defiantly make you work for their affection that’s what makes them so loved! The world would be an awfully horrible place without the humble cat!😻

[@piobmhor8529]

While serving in the Canadian Army, we used cats in the supply warehouses for pest control. Mind you, it didn’t take long for the Storesmen and women to give them names and spoil them rotten. They did significantly reduce the rodent problem, however I think it was mostly the scent of cats that scared off the mice and rats. They served their country with distinction.

[@ShellyWolfgirl]

"Too fond of sleep to do a good job of it" 10,000 years and cats have hardly changed ;) hahaha

[@comradekenobi6908]

@Kelly Arthur they're watching us :)

[@RagingMoon1987]

The ship's cat I often think of is Emmy, who lived on the Empress of Ireland. Right before the Empress sailed on her last voyage, Emmy jumped ship and refused to reboard. She knew.

[@WAL_DC-6B]

I'm retired from a career in the railroad industry. I can think of at least four round house/locomotive diesel shop facilities that kept a cat or two for rodent control.

[@momcat2223]

Another reason early humans would have wanted to align themselves w cats is this: Cats are excellent sentries. Their sense of hearing far surpasses ours and, unlike dogs, when they're alerted to something out of the ordinary - they're quiet about it & don't give away one's position, which can be very handy.

[@765respect]

They also protect us from the spirit world. That said my cats have alerted me to snakes in my ceiling and hunt snakes in my basement. PS, I am MomCat to my adult children.

[@vids595]

They dont alert us at all, that's a worthless "sentry".

[@JagerLange]

Somewhere in the Multiverse... "Hi. I'm The Cat Guy. I have cats, and I love cats - and if you love cats too, this is the channel for you." (intro will still show a Tiger tank, because it's cat-related content)

[@bernieponcik1351]

I like the way you think. ;)

[@jeffcox4538]

This was my favourite history guy story! I would love more of this history. I am a cat person and a U.S. Navy sailor. I always heard of a ship's dog and not a feline. Thank you Shipmate!

[@diesel8447]

As a farmer my cat's are very important, they hang around the machinery all day hunting rats and mice. Occasionally bringing me the odd brown snake they've killed and are sick of playing with (they conveniently leave near or on my work boots) I left one of our older tractors at a mates farm a few years ago for 4-5 month's. I went to get it and had no electrics whatsoever. Cost around 3k for a new wiring harness and labour... he has no cat's...Respect the cat

[@ylette]

Cats are an endless supply of entertainment, both online and IRL.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Mine certainly are. very occasionally you"l see one pop up in the background of one of the episodes.

[@glennso47]

This coming weekend the Hallmark Channel is having a show called the KITTY BOWL where kittens are playing with a little football.

[@jeanbaptistevallee4500]

As I type this my two cats are having a epic struggle for master of the universe on the day bed next to me. They wrestle for 20 seconds and then lay down for a nap.

[@BillHalliwell]

G'day HG, Although my ancestors and I come from a seemingly unbroken line of 'dog households', I've always appreciated the function of domesticated cats. I'm certain that it's totally illegal nowadays, but when I was a young apprentice chef at a large hotel, over 50 years ago, our hotel always had at least two cats that virtually had the run of the place, doing a sterling job, especially at night in the kitchens and food storage areas keeping down the rat and mouse populations. Almost as if by personal intention, the hotel cats stayed away from public areas while the hotel was open for business. I'd been there for years and never once did I hear of a story of a guest actually seeing one of our cats who preferred the company of the staff; behind the scenes. So, just like a ship's cat, we had our 'hotel cat(s)'. Shame on the Royal Navy getting rid of their ships' cats. I'm sure Her Majesty's ships still have populations of rats for they are inseparable from ships. it's just not the same to think the RN lays baits for seagoing rodents; robbing the crews of a valued and friendly 'shipmate'. Once again a brilliant, and important 'whisker' or history that deserves to be remembered! Cheers, BH

[@NotMe-hm2zd]

Im a grown man, a manly man, and I will never look at the cat the same way again. What a wonderful video.

[@FFM0594]

A whole show on ships cats would be brilliant!

[@Bunkerdwarfputin]

There is ! kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2ireoxmfLl4eZo All about ship cats... 🤗 Edit: I now notice your comment is 4yrs old... so you're probably aware of this video by now. My bad. 😋

[@FFM0594]

@@Bunkerdwarfputin Hi Jenella, no, I hadn't seen it. Watching it now. Thank you.

[@Bunkerdwarfputin]

@@FFM0594 You're quite welcome 🤗 Luv from 🇨🇦

[@richb313]

About time that a Historian has publicly trumpeted the vital role that Cats have played.

[@GraemePayne1967Marine]

Ny wife and I were gifted a Sealpoint Siamese kitten as a wedding gift. She was with us for more than 20 years. She has been succeeded by several other cats ... We are nearly at our 50th anniversary and have always had at least one cat in the house. We can't even imagine being without one. Even though our current feline is a good-for-nothing layabout who shares her food with occasional mice and who leaves cricket legs laying around. Just a normal cat.

[@lisatuthill2555]

I love your history lesson on cats. Cats are also very good at catching bugs. My first apartment had a sand cricket and water bug problem (ewww). Once I got my cat, Yadi, the only thing I saw of those bugs were the parts he didn't want to eat. He would leave them next to his litter box as a "gift" for me. LOL I no longer live there but he will still catch and eat all flying and crawling bugs. He makes me very happy to be a "cat person".

[@vonduus]

One of the reason sailors are fond of cats is, that they functioned as a living barometer back when mechanical barometers were not invented yet. Cats get uncomfortable when air pressure changes, especially during a sudden shift to low pressure, so a disturbed and suddenly very angry ct is a good indicator of an approaching storm.

[@miriambucholtz9315]

Whenever we have a severe weather alert, I'll pay more attention to the behavior of my two cats than to the forecast. If they start to slink around and look for a place to hide all of a sudden, that's when I'll grab them and get to shelter.

[@craigbenz4835]

Mine is either developmentally disabled or just doesn't GAF. Sometimes he is no where to be found when it's time to come in before I go to work on a day we all know will be horrible.

[@chriswhitenack5446]

It is a complete trip at 53 years of age to finally know why certain cartoon felines were known as "Felix" and "Sylvester". The messed up part is I have been known to write Latin into works that I have written. :-D

[@wendychavez5348]

My household has only one cat (currently), but we certainly have several animals. Two rabbits and a guinea pig to keep the cat amused. She loves to sit on the bed in the mornings and watch her Cui TV as the guinea pig thinks about jumping out of his cage (which he's only done a couple of times). She doesn't mind sharing her house with the rabbits when I let them run around loose with the guinea pig, and she's actually a bit protective over all of them. I've been banned from getting any more pets, which started with 3 cats and will probably be restarted when this cat breathes her last Meow (at 12 years old I'm hopeful that she has several years remaining). Great topic!

[@lauriefields3523]

A house isn't a home without an animal. We have two cats and three dogs. Our eleven year old cat, Snowball, presented us with the carcass of a dead bird just the other day. Without her, we'd starve to death.

[@sequoyah59]

We have a family of cats that live in our equipment barn and of course around the barnyard. They alone are responsible for our not having any electrical problems in the tractors. No vermin or snakes escape their attention and they are very good company. I'll be working on a piece of equipment, look up and there is a cat on a perch watching me. One in particular pays especial attention to all that goes on. I think she wants to be a mechanic. Of course you own a dog and feed a cat but they do seem to enjoy being around us. I think we are their reserve food supply.

[@strangerhorse5209]

I have had the same problems. A Cadillac went up in flames because of pack rats and their nest on top of the transmission. Now I have cats : )

[@ghostcityshelton9378]

sequoyah59. It is wonderful when a cat chooses you ! A rare gift. And they are very smart.

[@FirstDagger]

@Mr T ; While I don't have a pet myself, I say: a shelter cat might just need your help.

[@eileensullivan549]

Yes, you can !!! Go to a shelter and pay a very low fee for a cat that is already spayed/neutered and has its shots. Better yet - get two cats so they'll have companionship when you're not around.

[@commodoresixfour7478]

The only problem with farm cats is sometimes they get into deadly areas and accidents happen. Something I don't want to see or think about.

[@TimPearcy]

I grew up with a cat as a pet and when he could escape the house he killed everything in sight. Of course I understood this was his nature and always praised him for bringing the baby rabbits home alive and then killing them after his meowing got my attention. I really believe he was pointing out he could provide all the food we needed. He was a large cat, named sylvester, because he looked identical to the cartoon cat and he weighed in at a very lean 26 lbs, in short he was huge and he could often be seen chasing the occasional dog when he escaped the house.

[@pythagorasaurusrex9853]

I also confirm this kind of theory. I have two cats (females). Both cats can go outdoor whenever they want. They often bring a mouse home (dead or alive) and announce the prey with special meouws that we recon immediately. The cats present the prey to us and then they want to be pet and often demand a little treat. I think they want to show us that they could feed us humans too as we do to them. Killing a mouse is not just instinct. It seems it is an act of love.

[@gardensofthegods]

Yes they will be very proud when they bring you a dead Critter whether it's a rabbit ,a mouse, or whatever... and they love it when you pet them and let them know you are proud of them. They want you to acknowledge that they are a great Hunter and that they are protecting the turf. The problem is if you've ever heard rabbits being murdered a specially baby rabbits they sounded different than a human baby screaming it is horrible. Also I had a cat who when he would go out and kill mice he would always for whatever reason bite off their heads and my next door neighbor complained that he was Finding mouse heads and he was blaming me. Anyway good quality catnip Biz in mice thing to give your cats when they protect your property... and same thing for the indoor cats simply because all cats deserve catnip.

[@jashanestone]

Funny enough you say that name, Sylvester. I would think that's how the name came along. From it's original name Felis Silvestris Catus.. Silvestris aka Sylvester 😉

[@12201185234]

In reality, the cats are trying to teach you to be able to fend for yourself. They bring half-dead prey back to their kittens to teach them how to kill.

[@SCSilk]

My neighbors cat used to sleep on my car. She would run away when she saw me approaching. One time, she scurried away, but stopped a short distance and turned to look at me. I said to her, “you know, if you’re going to sleep on my car, you should be nicer to me”. A week later she left a giant rat next to my car.

[@MaxwellAerialPhotography]

Humans tamed dogs Humans are cats just looked at each other like: we cool? yeah we're cool.

[@williambabbitt7602]

Start to my day! I’ve always known about cats and boots and cats in the sea and now I’ve learned where my Reginald actually came from. Is my beautiful cat I’ve had many cats in my life, but each one has been wonderfully unique. This one is very handsome, very loving, and has a written fulfilled patency life Chasing bugs, vermin, and Barbara or else he can find. This is especially helpful ever since I live in a very old house. I am going to share your video with all of my friends who also love cats. You have done it for great service. Salute to the history guy!!

[@lesb_socal]

The modern day "barn cat" carries on this tradition thousands of years running. Barn cats are valuable employees. Their employers will take care of them, provide vet service, feed them when there's not enough mice around, etc.

[@tombates9122]

Yep - my local rural supplies store has a cat in the storage shed. Every time I go in for a bag of chaff or something she comes up to say hello and rub against my legs while I chat with the people in the warehouse. She's like an old friend now.

[@PacoOtis]

Well done! Thanks for the video as we have ten feline companions along with the three dogs and they all sleep in a huge pile using each other as pillows.

[@keithnoneya]

Although I've had tons of dogs since I was a small boy on the farm and in Suburbia I have found cats more to my liking. They don't stink as they keep themselves clean, meaning I don't have to bathe them like I had to do for my dogs in the southern U.S. Cats also they keep the bugs down in the house, especially Mosquitoes and flies. We have a wood pile and huge garden shed in our back yard and it seemed no matter what I did I just couldn't keep the rat, mouse and pooping lizard population down. One day a cat showed up in the back yard and we started to put food out for it at night. Within a week the problem in the wood pile was gone and within a month enough mice and lizards had climbed out of the shed to get water that the cat solved that problem too! Now cats for he most part are very independent animals, but not as much as people think. You'll find a great Loyal cat in about every four cats you have, and an extremely loyal cat in one in about 7-8 cats. One that want's to be with you no matter where you go. Despite what most people think, cats know their name if you call them by that name all the time. Hence if you call a cat Kitty Kitty it will think it's name is, well Kitty Kitty LOL. Thanks for sharing. Best Wishes & Blessings. Keith Noneya

[@theannoyedmrfloyd3998]

I had a cat, I named him Negi. He caught a lot of mice and 1 rat. He told me they were delicious, and would have gone well with a Catnip Merlot which reminded him of a taste "from the Old Country." He noticed a difference between brown summer mice and gray winter mice. He spoke with a bit of a German accent, so I never really understood what he meant for sure. I miss Negi. I had him for 11 years when he escaped my sister's house by careless accident.

[@ghrey8282]

I am impressed with just how much you fit into a little time... Well done sir.

[@sharonmullins1957]

Me too, so much info in a few minutes. About the right amount for me to absorb at 3AM.

[@carlcushmanhybels8159]

I'm very impressed too. I've wondered, History Guy, if you use (excellent use of) a teleprompter? (like TV News readers): Your delivery is so smooth, fast without being too fast and sure -- never a word stumbled or uncertain! (Hence it seems you must have a device that shows the words (or many of them), you've prepared and practiced ahead. However you do it, I'm Impressed!

[@HighSpeedNoDrag]

Ditto and well done.

[@misterjag]

But being almost as fast as an auctioneer is poor form for the narrator of a documentary.

[@briancooney9952]

Yep! His vids are great! Chock full of info, with a garnish of wit. No wasted time either.

[@skeymoson]

I have a 16 year old boy cat .. he has been everywhere with me ... including cruising the Chesapeake.. he was so proud when he brought me his first kill 🐀

[@odriscoll666]

One of the reasons I subscribed to your channel is while “surfing” by I stopped on your channel. I was delighted to see a cat meowing and wandering around behind you. Anyone who has a cat 🐈 is an awesome person, hence I subscribed. Why didn’t you bring you give your kitty 15 minutes of fame? Anyway I watch your videos every morning as I get ready for work, thank you so much.

[@tiberiusgracchus7328]

What a great video! I sit watching this with my beautiful cat April on my lap. She looks almost exactly like her ancient ancestor the African wildcat. She doesn't let you forget that her ancestors are responsible for human civilization. In today's world, having a nice cat is absolutely, positively the best thing you can do to preserve your mental health. 50+ years a total cat guy!

[@brianmariani2734]

When I was building my house in the mountains of California, I caught 2-3 mice, in traps, everyday for 6 months. I got a good mousing cat, and I have not caught a single mouse ever since.

[@johninwaynenewjersey5253]

Firstly, thank you History Guy for one of the truly great KZbin channels available. You have an amazing talent for storytelling which is complimented by your apparent researching abilities and your passion for history. Forming a bond with a cat, to the point where they accept you as you one of them, is such a rewarding experience. They are not 'pack' animals like dogs which will blindly follow their leader; cats demand much more. Their innate inquisitive nature and fondness for play makes them endlessly entertaining to co-exist with and I treasure every moment I share something with them which piques their interest.

[@dougalexander7204]

Thank you History Guy. I like cats. We have 5 rescue house cats and a feral one. Your presentation of their domestication history is appreciated. Please stay awesome.

[@bushwackcreek]

Most of my cats have been black cats... nobody seems to want them but other than being very plain, they're just as treasured. My latest two are a brother and sister that my daughter caught and brought home although she tried to get a third sibling and failed. 14 years old and doing well. She finally brought another black cat home that had had he misfortune of taking a car ride and was the worse for wear. Unfortunately, he disappeared after 6 months. Had another one 30 years ago that vanished around Halloween and probably was killed by teen vandals. Love dogs but I don't have the time to give them the attention or space they need. Cats are somewhat indifferent but I still like them nearby and attentive.

[@benjaminbrewer2569]

I am the cat who walks by himself and all things are alike to me. Kipling.

[@millardwashington6216]

Benjamin Brewer sounds like a tiger

[@joehodges1311]

The U.S Air Force still was using working cat at an air base in the Middle East I was deployed to in 2018

[@andyrbush]

Fascinating thank you. At one time we had cats that came on walks with us. So long as we kept going forward they were fine, but would never backtrack, Even if you left them alone, they just waited for you to come back.

[@Smileybaloney]

Very cool! About ten years ago I had an incredible simultaneous encounter with a feral cat and history that deserves to be remembered. I was at Old Fort Niagara and walking by the underside of the platform that they fired their hot shot from. Below the platform is also where they keep their demonstration cannons. A bird flew out of a cannon bore and a huge orange cat leapt up and snagged it then ran to the hot shot furnace, jumped in and began to feast. I have a picture somewhere... History came alive!

[@JasonLambek]

I’m so glad my YT feed, one day a number of months ago, suggested a History Guy video. I can’t seem to find one that isn’t interesting. Just fantastic content. Thank you! Oh, and, meow.

[@NoirFan01]

Finally a mention of the etymology of the word “cat” (at 6:52). For years I have wondered about the similar words for “cat” among Indo-European languages (cat, katze, chat, gato, gatto, koshka) but the diversity of words for “dog.” (dog, hund, chien, perro, cane, sabaka)

[@lisatuthill2555]

I love your history of cats video. I adopted a kitty a few years ago when I was living in an apartment invested with sand crickets and water bugs. After I adopted my cat, Yadi, I saw nothing of those bugs but the part he didn't want to eat, which he left as a "gift" next to his litter box. LOL We don't live there any more but he still catches and eats any bug that crawls or flies. He makes me proud to be a "cat person".

[@janineharrison5186]

I have 5 rescues and one 19 year old cat. They make my life very happy and my golden thinks they belong to him.

[@samielkhayri9272]

When my youngest daughter nagged me for a cat, I was adamantly opposed. Five years later, we have four cats in our house. 🤣

[@LoriFoster]

Watching this video with a cat in my lap, how far I’ve fallen from the young man that worked and had little time for cats. My wife has had a few over the years but they were hers and didn’t bond much with me. Now I sit here and write about all that changing. 😀

[@cleemccarthy1022]

Life changes a person...

[@blacksquirrel4008]

And McNish never forgave him. When asked if he resented not getting the Arctic medal, despite all he had done to save the expedition he just scowled and said he didn’t want it anyway because “that old man killed my cat.”

[@user-vm5ud4xw6n]

No matter what their role there’s nothing like being “vulturized” by a cat! We had a bed set which had 2 armoire on either side of the bed. A light bridge spanned the 2. Our black cat Sushi would climb up on the light bridge and look over the edge. His black coloration combined with that intense cat stare often made us feel like we were being sized up by a little 10 lb vulture. Minus the wings and beak. He was the best cat we ever had and still think about him to this day. He was the king of our house. My hub, who at one time swore he hated cats, brought him home. My father in law, who also swore he hated cats, would fry bacon, break up a slice and feed it to the cat! I don’t think there’s really such a thing as a cat-hater! Too fond of sleeping? It’s all about priorities!

[@C.O._Jones]

We and our cats enjoyed the video very much! The kitties especially liked the part about how they’re responsible for human civilization. Please make more cat history videos!

[@time.5316]

Yes, but you missed introducing us to YOUR cat.

[@susanschultz1762]

I just watched the You Tube video interviewing you and your wife. You're in Illinois!!! I always pictured you on the east coast for some reason. I grew up in Indiana, and I've lived in Chicago for the past 40 years. We're neighbors! LOVE history, (my mom was a history teacher), and I LOVE your You Tube channel! You keep making 'em and I'll keep watching 'em!

[@ShaySails]

As a sailor, I found this fascinating and cool! I shared it with me shipmates. (FWIW: "tall masted schooner" is incorrect. It's either "tall ship" or "schooner.")

[@rangerbud]

"Cat" sounds like the vocal sound that many birds and squirrels make in the presence of a cat.....

[@TedBronson1918]

Michael I noticed the EXACT same thing a couple of years ago ! I'd let my cats outside in the morning and the grackles (local birds) would take off from my porch screeching CATS! CATS! CATS! Even the seagulls and crows had their own versions. The cats themselves know a necessary word or 2 of English also - they go to the door and say OUT! when they want to go outside., and to get my attention it's more of a "hey" than a "meow". I'm quite sure the animals, both birds and cats, have picked up on English words and use them. You just have to listen close enough to notice since they have a "speaking disability" in a sense.

[@GVBiggs524]

History guy, I just have one thing to say to you and about you! You ABSOLUTELY ROCK!

[@workingshlub8861]

never really cared about cats.. i could take them or leave them...once i got one that all changed and love my little buddy once they grow on you and form a bond they are great..

[@Torahboy1]

My own cat, Tiberius Maximus, a pure bred Bengal, was possessed of a very big personality. Unfortunately, that personality was one of being grumpy, selfish, demanding and wanting everything on his own terms. He held all humans in very low regard. And spent his (few) waking moments thinking up new ways to torment me, oftentimes driving me to despair. Tiberius ‘Bibbs’ died two years ago, one week after his twentieth birthday. I miss him every day…….