With an estimated 10.9 million people owning pet cats in the UK, it can be agreed that they have become one of the most popular animals to share your home with. However, this was not always the case and cats were not always seen as friendly feline companions throughout their long and admiring history. From their time with the Egyptians to the Middle Ages to now, it has been a long journey for them to become the beloved household pet they are seen as today.

The history of ancient Egypt

Back in ancient Egyptian times, cats were some of the most iconic animals and were extremely treasured creatures to all.

Since cats preyed on mice, rats and snakes that surrounded the people of ancient Egypt, they were actually seen as lifesaving companions. Due to their abilities to save humans from harm, they were often persuaded to stay close by, beginning their roles as chosen companions.

The people of Egypt’s devotion to cats was furthered through their worship of gods, with the behaviours of the popular animal often being attributed to gods and goddesses in the form of personality traits.

The Middle Ages

Although it may seem like it, our furry companions were not always favoured by the people of ancient history and towards the Middle Ages, they actually became feared. This stemmed from the Black Death, with people believing that cats, especially black ones, were demons in disguise. They soon became a symbol of bad luck.

In a devastating turn, cats were feared so much that they were often killed or tortured to try and ward off the bad luck that was believed to encompass them. Black cats suffered the worse fate and are often still discriminated upon today due to the myth that if they cross you, they will bring bad news.

Cats today

A lot of people today can’t imagine their lives without cats, and they are once again treasured companions. Not only are they still seen as protectors, but they bring love and comfort to families around the world and are treated with kindness and respect.

These days, having a pet cat is a huge part of people’s lives and owners find themselves wanting to protect them and make sure they are as happy and healthy as they can be.

However, with the cat species being especially active and always on the go, as we see from their history, it’s easy for them to become victims of pet stress, so creating a calming and welcoming environment for them is essential.

Here at Pet Remedy, our goal is to provide natural calming products suitable for all mammals to help them become more settled and receptive to you as an owner. For more information and professional advice, contact us today.