A recent scientific study used dna comparisons and archaeological evidence to estimate the time and place that modern cats became domesticated. The researchers concluded that cats were domesticated in northern Africa, which is not surprising, given the respect that ancient Egyptians had for the animals. The study also estimated that cats became domesticated around 3.5 to 4 thousand years ago, and spread around the world from Egypt.
They probably proved useful to early farmers as hunters of mice and rats.
To celebrate, here are some observations about cats.
“Had I the
time to keep a diary, I’d use that time to better effect; sleeping on the
veranda.”
The cat narrator of “I am a Cat,” by Natsume Soseki
“There are all sorts of cats, just like there are all sorts of people.”
From “Kafka on the Shore,” by Haruki Murakami
“Most
people look at cats and think – what a life – all we do is lie around in the
sun, never having to lift a finger. But cats’ lives aren’t that idyllic. Cats
are powerless, weak little creatures that injure easily. We don’t have shells
like turtles, nor wings like birds. We can’t burrow into the ground like moles
or change colours like a chameleon. The
world has no idea how many cats are injured every day, how many of us meet a
miserable end.”
From “Kafka
on the Shore”
“I would
like to see anyone, prophet king or god, convince 1,000 cats to do the same
thing at the same time.”
From “The
Sandman,” by Neil Gaiman
“Women and
cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the
idea.”
Robert A.
Heinlein
“If cats
looked like frogs, we’d realise what nasty, cruel little [creatures] they
are. Style – that’s what people
remember.”
From “Lords
and Ladies,” by Terry Pratchett
“
‘What is
there in this world that truly makes living worthwhile?’
Death
thought about it for a while.
‘Cats’, he
said eventually. ‘Cats are nice.’
”
From
“Sourcery,” by Terry Pratchett
“
‘Meow’ means ‘Woof’ in cat.
”
Comedian
George Carlin
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