Cats

Cats have been part of my family for many years. Firstly, as members of the menagerie which surrounded us when we were children. Then in adulthood as part of my own independent life. They remain a big part of my world. Even in my writing, whereby most of the short stories feature a cat somewhere.

Origins

All domestic* cats are believed to have originated from the same ancestor, the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica). (The wildcat is still found widely across Africa, and parts of Asia). It is thought that the first domestication of cats was about 10,000 years ago in the Middle East, when farmers began making use of their pest control abilities.

*The term domestic remains open for debate. Some argue that none are fully domesticated, and ‘semi-domesticated’ is a more accurate description. This accounts for the fact that most cats could be self-sufficient without humans.

Cats have 90% of DNA in common with humans, making them genetically closer to us than dogs, who share just over 80% of DNA with humans. Many dogs have been bred for specific roles over the years, such as herding, retrieving, guarding, and searching. Around 200 breeds of dog are recognised worldwide. In contrast, cat breeds number between 40 and 70. They have not been bred for particular purposes, and are related much more closely to their wild ancestors, than dogs are to theirs.

Interesting Cats

Arguably, all felines are interesting. I’ve known many in my lifetime and they have all had strong, individual characters.

Polydactyls

Over the past 10 years or so, I’ve encountered polydactyl cats for the first time. Also known as Hemingway cats, polydactyls have extra toes.

Most cats have five front toes, and four on their back paws. Owing to a genetic mutation, polydactyls have six or more toes on each foot. Polydactyls used to be regular crew members on long voyages and were thought to bring sailors good luck. Their extra digits meant they were excellent mousers, and also adept at keeping their balance when seas got rough.

Polydactyls are sometimes referred to as Hemingway cats. After a ship’s captain gifted him a polydactyl cat named Snow White, Hemingway developed a strong attraction for polydactyls. After his death in 1961, his Florida home was turned into a museum and home for the cats. Currently, the colony is home to about 60 descendants of his original cats; around half of them are polydactyl.

Chimeras

Visually striking, chimera cats are genetic anomalies. They are the result of separate embryos joining together while in utero, and therefore bear different sets of DNA. Chimeras are sometimes referred to as their own identical twin, because of the way they are created.

Without a DNA test, it’s not possible to confirm absolutely whether a cat is chimera. Even those which display characteristics such as split facial colouring, and different coloured eyes, are not necessarily chimeras.

Cats in Myths and Legends

Cats feature extensively in myths and legends. They were worshipped by Ancient Egyptians, and anyone who killed a cat (even by accident) was sentenced to death. Through the Middle Ages, cats fell out of favour, and were considered agents of Satan. During this time, when people believed all animals were created for the benefit of humans, cats were an anomaly. Their independent nature, and perceived disobedience generated feelings of wariness and mistrust.

Fear and suspicion led to cats later becoming associated with Paganism, magic, and witches. It is thought that the idea of cats having nine lives arose because of the belief that a witch was able to transform into a cat, and back, nine times. On the ninth transformation, she would remain in feline form. Cats across Europe were feared and persecuted along with the women who went on trial as witches.

Celtic mythology features the Cat Sith. Sometimes referred to as either a fairy or a witch, the Cat Sith haunts the Scottish Highlands. Resembling a slender black cat with a small white patch on its chest, the apparition is said to take the souls from corpses before burial. Leading up to burial of loved ones, people took turns keeping guard, and trying to distract the Cat Sith by telling riddles, playing music, and enticing it with catnip. Bodies were never left unattended, as people attempted to ensure the souls were not stolen.

Finally

According to a Cats Protection League 2021 report, there are almost 11 million cats living in UK households. Just over a quarter of homes have at least one cat.

Although cats are not currently required to be microchipped, that is due to change (in the UK) when a new law is introduced. All cats will have to be microchipped by the age of 20 weeks, or their owners will face a fine. The law will come in after the current review of compulsory dog microchipping, which is considering whether areas of microchipping legislation could be improved.

The average life-span of a cat is around 12-14 years. Some live into their twenties, which is roughly the equivalent of a human living into their 100s. The oldest known cat was Creme Puff, who lived to 38 years and 3 days.

Cats are known to reduce stress. Spending time with a cat increases serotonin levels, the chemical which boosts feelings of well-being. One ten year study found that cat guardians were 30% less likely to die of a heart attack or stroke than people who didn’t have a cat.

To finish with a plea: the best way to invite a cat into your life is to adopt one. Some of the most loving cats I have ever lived with have been adopted from rescues as adults. These are often overlooked because of their age, but they make the most incredible, loyal companions. Adopt, don’t shop.