The History of Cats Part V
Over the years cats survived better than their human companions over all the superstitions of the time. During the 18th century, cats were elevated to the status of being pampered pets. This was all due to the new paradigm of reason prevailing over superstition. The church dictating popular opinion had been finally broken by the Protestant Reformation (1517-1648 AD) and during the 18th century (The Age of Enlightenment) people could choose to believe what they wanted about cats or any other subject.
Now during the Victorian Age (1837-1901 AD) cats were again elevated to the previous high standing that they enjoyed in ancient Egypt.
Queen Victoria of Great Britain had always kept dogs as her pets, but became interested in cats through the many stories about the archaeological finds in Egypt. These finds were being published regularly in England and many of these stories included descriptions of the Egyptian reverence for cats. There were pictures of statues of Bastet, and the feline association with the gods and monarchy. Because of this, the queen’s interest in the cat led her to adopt two Blue Persian cats whom she treated as members of her court.
Well, this story was carried by the newspapers of the day and because Queen Victoria was a very popular monarch, more and more people became interested in having cats of their own.
This spread to the United States and was encouraged by the popular magazine at the time, Godey’s Lady’s Book, published by Louis A. Godey of Philadelphia from 1830 to 1878.
An 1860 article written by Sarah Hale said that cats were not solely for women or monarchs and that anyone should feel comfortable in embracing the “love and virtue” of the cat. In the United States, cat popularity grew appreciably after the Godey articles.
Cats first came to North America in 1749 AD from England to help control the mice and rat population. Thanks to the stories from England, Godey’s Lady’s Book, and the writings of Sarah Hale cats became cherished pets.
Many writers of the age owned and admired cats. It was said that Charles Dickens was so devoted to his cats that he allowed them into his study. He regularly allowed his favorite cat (The Master’s Cat) to blow out the candle on his writing desk even when he was at work.
William Wordsworth, John Keats, Mark Twain and Thomas Hardy were all great admirers of the cat including Lewis Carroll who created one of the most enduring images of the cat through the Cheshire Cat in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
The first Cat Show was held at the Crystal Palace in London, England (1871 AD) and the appreciation of the cat was raised to such a level that cats were given “specific standards and classes” which are still used to categorize cats today. Cat shows became popular and an interest in breeding and showing cats spread throughout Europe and North America. The first cat show in America was in 1895 and was so popular that it was held at the Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Cats came along way from pest control to divine creatures. From evil incarnations to finally house pets, they have been closely associated with human beings for centuries. They continue to be valued companions for people across the world today who carry on the legacy of the ancients in their devotion to the cat.
Stay tuned for future stuff about cats.
Thank you for reading Kitty Village News.
S&B