In military history, there are countless tales of bravery, valour, and unwavering dedication from soldiers who fought on the front lines.
But what about those fearless felines who have prowled the battlefield, armed with their whiskers and lethal claws? These purrsistent warriors have played some truly remarkable roles throughout history, and it's high time we give them the recognition they deserve.
Sometimes I think that we underestimate the role that cats, dogs and other animal and feathered friends play in our lives and in our world.
So sit and enjoy a journey into the history of cats and how they have evolved into being lazy, domineering, pampered pets from their early incarnations as demi gods and deities. But when you think about it, nothing much has changed really....... they are still demi gods and worshipped deities...... But things were not always as they are.
They did actually earn their keep.
Back in ancient Egypt, cats were revered as sacred creatures. Their role in combat was a bit unconventional, as they served as morale boosters for Egyptian soldiers or in Japan where they were mighty foes.
Imagine this: a battalion of brave warriors ready to conquer the world, flanked by felines who were more interested in chasing after scarab beetles than the enemy.
Cats were often buried with pharaohs in ancient Egypt. Cats held a special and revered status in Egyptian society due to their association with the goddess Bastet, who was the goddess of home, fertility, and domesticity, as well as a protector of cats. Cats were seen as sacred animals, and they were often kept as pets in Egyptian households.
When a cat passed away, it was not uncommon for the family to mourn its loss and sometimes even go through a mourning period similar to that of a human family member.
Cats were often mummified and placed in tombs or specially designated cemeteries.
These cat cemeteries, such as the one in the city of Bubastis, are evidence of the high regard in which cats were held in ancient Egyptian society.
Originally depicted as a lioness, Bastet’s image evolved over time to resemble a domesticated cat, reflecting a shift in her role from a fierce warrior deity to a protector of households.
Cats were believed to bring good luck and protection, and their presence was thought to ward off evil spirits and harmful creatures like snakes and rats. The act of burying cats with pharaohs was a way to ensure the pharaoh's protection and good fortune in the afterlife.
In some cases, cats were also depicted in artwork and inscriptions within tombs, showcasing their importance in the lives of ancient Egyptians and their belief in the spiritual significance of cats.
But long before they became the rulers of Instagram and dethroners of household peace, the Siamese cat was already a superstar in its own right. Legend has it that the first Siamese cat was created by a particularly imaginative Thai monk who mixed equal parts grace, attitude, and a large splash of chaos. He may have had divine intentions, but even gods can't fully control a Siamese cat.
The Siamese cat was once believed to be a celestial creature, guarding ancient temples from evil spirits and, more practically, mice. Royal families in old Siam didn't just love their cats — they worshipped them.
These sleek, pointy-eared felines were even given the prestigious job of guarding royal goblets. They’d reportedly sit on top of these treasures, glaring at anyone who dared approach.
Considering how a modern cat will knock over a cup of water just to assert dominance, this seems like a believable (if dangerous) royal security system.
Moving on to medieval Europe. Castles were the cornerstone of power, and the nobility needed fierce defenders.
Enter the castle cats. These cunning creatures were tasked with keeping the vermin population in check. By maintaining a pest-free environment, they indirectly played a crucial role in keeping their human counterparts safe from diseases, which were often more deadly than enemy invaders. Seriously, think about it.
The Manx cat is a tailless breed that originated on the Isle of Man, a small island nation located in the Irish Sea between Great Britain and Ireland. The breed has been around for centuries, and its exact origins are shrouded in mystery.
According to one legend, the Manx cat is the result of a mating between a cat and a rabbit. While this might seem unlikely, it's not entirely impossible.
Another theory is that the Manx cat is descended from cats brought to the island by Viking settlers. For myself, I rather like the idea that the manx cats were so busy hunting and being full of mischief that they were late to board Noah's Ark and had their tails lopped off when Noah slammed the door and said " Last one in is a manx cat. "
Japan's history is rich with tales of samurai warriors and their code of Bushido.
Less known, however, are the ninja cats who operated in the shadows, striking fear into the hearts of their enemies. Armed with stealth, agility, and a deadly silent approach, these feline ninjas could sneak up on unsuspecting adversaries and knock them off balance with their ninja paws. Plus, their ability to seemingly disappear at will was nothing short of magical.
World War II brought about a unique chapter in the history of cats in combat. Allied submarines patrolling the oceans faced a constant threat from rats, which could chew through vital cables and supplies. Enter the "submarine cats."
These brave kitties earned their keep by hunting down these pesky rodents, thus ensuring the safety of their human crew members.
They also served as a much-needed source of comfort and companionship during long and arduous missions.
The Cold War era marked an exciting leap for feline kind. In the 1950s, both the United States and the Soviet Union launched a series of space missions to explore the cosmos.
Among these early pioneers were some furry, four-legged astronauts. These space catnauts were sent into orbit to study the effects of weightlessness on living beings.
Thankfully, they returned to Earth safe and sound, paving the way for human space exploration.
Today, cats continue to play vital roles in combat, albeit not on the frontlines. Military bases around the world employ "military mousers" to keep their facilities pest-free. These cats enjoy the title of honourary soldiers and are pampered with food, shelter, and the occasional belly rub.
In conclusion, cats in combat may not wield swords or fire weapons, ( except in their dreams and imaginations ) but their unique contributions throughout history are nothing short of heroic.
From ancient Egypt to outer space, these fearless felines have earned their place in military history. So, the next time you see a cat lazily sunbathing or playfully batting at a feather toy, remember that they might just be secretly plotting their next mission, whether it's to vanquish vermin or explore the stars.
After all, cats have been proving their mettle for millennia, one purr at a time.
Puds plotting his next mission ..............today the water filter ... tomorrow the neighbour's shed.... if I am up to it
Footnote: My research tells me that 60,000 years ago, cats travelled with ancient aboriginals to Australia but they were wiped out by giant dark emus and a massive boomerang thrown by a disgruntled rainbow serpent who was angry that all the mice were being eaten by the cats. As a result, the thriving cities of the aboriginal people collapsed due to plagues of mice.
Disclaimer: the videos used in this article may not pass a fact check and could actually be misinformation. And some of the stuff in this article is a bit dodgy too.
