DeepSummary
The episode discusses the domestication of cats, tracing their origins from wild cats to their integration into human societies. It explains how wild cats were first attracted to the rodents living around early human settlements and grain stores, leading to a mutually beneficial relationship where cats hunted pests in exchange for access to these abundant food sources. This symbiotic relationship likely began around 10,000 years ago but true domestication did not occur until much later in ancient Egypt around 3,500-4,500 years ago when cats were revered and mummified.
The transcript explores how cats spread to other cultures through trade routes and their utility in controlling rodents on ships. It also covers the varying attitudes towards cats in different societies, from respect in ancient Greece, Rome, and Islam, to association with witchcraft in medieval Europe. The episode highlights the impact of domestic and feral cats on native wildlife, detailing how they have contributed to numerous species extinctions, especially on islands.
The key differences between the domestication of cats versus dogs are noted. Unlike dogs which were actively domesticated by humans for various purposes like hunting, herding and security, cats domesticated themselves by capitalizing on the opportunities provided by human agriculture and food storage. While cats live among humans now, they retain many of their wild predatory instincts which can be detrimental to local ecosystems.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Cats domesticated themselves through a mutually beneficial relationship with early human agricultural societies, unlike dogs which were actively domesticated.
- The domestication of cats began around 10,000 years ago but true veneration and integration into households occurred much later in ancient Egypt around 3,500-4,500 years ago.
- Cats spread globally through trade routes due to their usefulness in controlling rodents on ships and in port cities.
- Even domesticated cats retain strong predatory instincts which can decimate local wildlife populations, especially on isolated islands.
- Attitudes toward cats have varied across cultures and time periods, ranging from reverence to associations with witchcraft and evil.
- There are now hundreds of different domesticated cat breeds, some quite modern and the result of selective breeding programs.
- The global population of domesticated cats is estimated around 500 million, with a much larger feral cat population as well.
- Attempts to use cats for rodent control in cities have largely failed as cats prefer easier prey like birds over rats.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “These aren't just feral cats that are responsible. Almost any domesticated cat which goes outdoors is probably hunting.“ by Gary Arndt
- “Cats weren't domesticated like dogs or horses. They largely lived alongside humans for thousands of years in a symbiotic relationship where they hunted pests on our behalf.“ by Gary Arndt
- “In New Zealand, birds such as the South Island Pio pio, the Chatham rail, and the New Zealand merganser have all gone extinct, largely due to the introduction of domesticated cats.“ by Gary Arndt
- “At least 20 native mammal species in Australia have gone extinct due to the introduction of cats.“ by Gary Arndt
- “The first evidence of cats and humans dates back around 9500 years ago. A gravesite was found on the island of Cyprus that had a cat skeleton very close to a human skeleton.“ by Gary Arndt
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Episode Information
Everything Everywhere Daily
Gary Arndt | Glassbox Media
6/21/24