Cats as Pets

The export of cats was forbidden by Egyptians, however, Phoenician traders smuggled cats abroad and they reached Greece.

Rome would be the next country to take cats into their household. The Roman army carried cats with them through Gaul and eventually crossed the ocean to Great Britain where there were used as pest control. Roman colonial families had pet cats. Cats had a special place in the Islam world.

Mohammed had a cat, Muezza. It is reported that on one occasion he cut off the sleeve of his robe rather than disturb Muezza's sleep.

In India, Buddhist monks employed cats as guards for their temples.

Cats were introduced from China to Japan in medieval times where they were used to protect silkworm cocoons from rats. The cat in Japan also had a close relationship with the silk industry, where farms were infested with mice.

However, it became fashionable in 1000 A.D. to keep house cats, and cats left the farms to enjoy a more pampered life.

The Emperor realized that silk farms were being ruined with mice, and he ordered that the house cats return to the farms.

Cats were known for their role as vermin hunters.

Catholic monasteries at the time did extensive farming and cats were kept to protect the farmyard. A few ended up being company in the monks' cells, and cats were the only pets allowed to be kept by nuns and monks.

In the 4th and 5th century, cats were introduced to Ireland where they grew in popularity. Cats were even included on a list of goods considered essential for a housewife.