A purrfect guide to cats and our complex relationship with them

Cat Tales: A history
Jerry D. Moore, Thames & Hudson

Over one memorable weekend, I witnessed one of our family cats, an enigmatic fellow named Solomon, engage in play wrestling that left my sister in disarray, then vomit on my bedding, and finally finish off a goldcrest right before my bird-loving father’s eyes. Despite this, we found it impossible to hold any grudges against Solomon, illustrating the cognitive dissonance that often accompanies cat devotion.

House cats (Felis catus) rank among the world’s favorite pets, yet the reasons behind their domestication—or the debate over whether they are genuinely domesticated—remain unclear. What led to our affection for them across diverse forms, especially considering that many historical species regarded humans as prey?

The origins of this inquiry are as ancient as time itself, as revealed by archaeologist Jerry D. Moore in Cat Tales: A history. However, more significant than the “history” label is the intriguing subtitle: “How we learned to live with them.” The perspective here is ambiguous, whether from a human’s or an aloof cat’s viewpoint. Regardless, the book leans towards portraying the evolving bond between our two species rather than solely studying our feline companions.

The narrative of cat domestication suggests that when humans transitioned to permanent settlements and began hoarding grain, mice found their way to our harvests, attracting African wild cats (Felis lybica). This led to a mutually beneficial relationship where humans safeguarded their grain and cats enjoyed a steady meal.

However, as Moore points out, the reality is much more nuanced. Traditional definitions of domestication involve breeding for specific purposes, which has only recently emerged in the last century for felines as we began to favor distinct appearances or unique traits. Herding is often a prominent motive for domestication, though the classic cat joke is hard to ignore.

Moore argues that mutualism presents a better perspective for analyzing our connection with cats. Even in this relationship, cats project an enigmatic and often indifferent demeanor, and their hunting skills are rivaled or surpassed by other animals—such as dogs bred for that purpose. In a masterstroke of confidence, cats seem to have appointed themselves to a comfortable position within human households—essentially self-domesticating.

Moore cleverly connects the depiction of big cats in ancient cave art with their significance in modern conservation campaigns. A 2018 study found that large felines consistently ranked as the most charismatic of animals.

Additionally, he portrays cats as some of history’s most notable mariners, accompanying African and Arab traders along routes to Asia and the Mediterranean. Their subsequent journeys on European colonial ships would lead to devastation in ecosystems like those of Australia and New Zealand, where native species fell victim to feral cats.

At times, Moore’s prose flows effortlessly, while other instances contain convoluted sections that detract from the book’s overall power. An early discussion regarding 20th-century interpretations of hominin tool use leaves the reader bewildered until later in the chapter, where he contends that idealizing ancient humans as formidable hunters has led to the underestimation of the significant role ancient cats played as predators, influencing our ancestors’ physical and cognitive evolution.

The relationship between cats and humans, according to Moore, is likely more complex than our connections with any other animal. “Cats have been figures of horror and objects of affection, honored in religious rites, and ruthlessly exterminated for amusement,” he asserts.

Personally, while Cat Tales might not present groundbreaking information, it serves as an insightful compilation of archaeological findings complemented by stunning photography. Even after completing the book, if the mysteries surrounding cats remain, that’s likely just how they prefer it.