Purrfect facts about cats

Since the dawn of time, cats have been everywhere, whether worshiped by gods, used as pest control aboard ships, made into pop culture icons and internet sensations, and of course in our homes and our hearts.

What is it about these four-legged, noise-making, fluffy machines that make us love them so much? And how did they become popular?

Well, here are some facts about cats that you probably knew or didn't know.

The domestication of cats dates as far back as 4400 B.C in southwest Asia and into Europe. These felines were often used as pest control for farming communities. Eventually, the bond between cats formed.

Cats made their way to other continents by way of cargo vessels and passenger ships for pest control.

Cat experts will tell you there are 40-70 breeds of cats. But, according to The International Cat Association (TICA), there are 71 cat breeds. Whereas The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) only recognizes 42 breeds.

Ever wonder why some kittens in a litter are different colours? Well that's because a female cat can have more than one partner.

In 2020, a few of the most popular cat breeds were Domestic and American Shorthair, Domestic long hair, Maine Coone, Siamese, Bengal and Ragdoll.

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, a Maine Coone named Ludo made the records in 2018 for measuring at the height of four feet in length and a weight of 37 pounds.

Cats and water, despite what we believe, a few cats actually enjoy the water, including Maine Coones, Bengals and Abyssinians.

Bengals have been known to follow their owners into the water and enjoy drinking straight from the tap. Maine Coones are strong swimmers and have a water-resistant coat, making bath time much easier than their other feline counterparts.

Black cats and superstition, depending on who you ask, when black cats crossing your path can be unlucky or lucky. If you see it come towards you, it's considered good luck, but unlucky if it crosses your path.

Black cats have also been known to predict death, so if you see a cat refusing to enter a home, it means that person is about to pass away.

Black cats are also the least likely to be adopted from shelters because of their fur colour.

Cats are well-loved throughout various cultures in Japan. The Maneki Neko statue is said to bring good luck. Ancient Egyptians worshiped cats like gods and were associated with the goddess Isis and Bastet.

In Ancient Greek, whenever a cat died, its family would shave their eyebrows as a way to mourn its loss.

Cats are also associated with the Norse Goddess Freyja, also known as the goddess of love and luck. And it is said that Norwegian Forest Cats pulled Freyja's chariot. It has also been said that a bride would be gifted a cat during her wedding day to set up her home.

Some notable cat lovers include Freddy Mercury, Mark Twain, Catherine the Great, Norman Reedus, Anthony Hopkins, Taylor Swift, Ricky Gervais and more.

Cats and pop culture, it's no surprise that cats have found their way into mainstream media, especially with the internet at everyone's fingertips. Some famous felines include Tardar Sauce (Grumpy Cat), Garfield, Salem, Snowball Two, Lil Bub, A Street Cat named Bob, Cole and Marmalade and more.

Despite the phrase "fight like cats and dogs," both feline and canine are more than capable of living together happily. Anyone that owns both can tell you that their cat and dog get along just fine.

So, if you're thinking about adding a feline or canine friend to your family, consider adopting from your local animal shelter. There are many cats and dogs of many breeds and colours waiting for a place to call home.