The earliest cats evolved from small wildcats in Africa and the Middle East around 10,000 years ago.
Evolved from Wildcats
Ancient Egyptians worshipped cats as gods, embalmed and mummified them in temples.
Ancient
As cats migrated along trade routes, their popularity spread globally due to their pest control skills.
Trade Routes
Cats were killed en masse in Medieval times due to superstitions associating them with witchcraft.
Ages for Cats
As superstitions faded, cats once again rose to beloved house pets status starting in the 1800s.
Become Pampered Pets
Cat breeds developed through selective breeding began emerging in the late 1800s.
Cat Breeds Emerge
Cats were sent to space on early shuttle missions to study the effects of zero gravity.
Cats in Space