How did cats come to live with humans? By all logical observation, these independent creatures shouldn’t be in our homes, but they are.
There are 7 main reasons.
Let’s find out on The Super Awesome Science Thread. #TSAT
1. Nearly 100,000 years ago ancient cats watched the advanced primates who scurried around the Middle East with a mild curiosity, but stayed out of their way. These primates were smart and could catch and eat them. It would have stayed this way except for this: grain.
2. The end of the ice age allowed humans to turn from sketchy hunters into farmers. Still cats were wary. The grain and crops humans grew that was stored for later became a target for an annoying creature from India. The house mouse. The plot thickens.
3. Over the next 10,000 years the cats who were decent at catching mice, but also had less stress hormones allowed them to be bold and calm around humans had a great chance of survival. Natural selection had a purrfect time to occur.
4. This type of cat began to look different and act different than the other species of wildcats. The key thing here is humans didn’t breed this type of cat. The cat domesticated itself over time.
5. As trade picked up, “cats” hitched a ride on ships and in carts and moved rapidly around Asia and parts of Africa. It is at this point the Egyptians took notice of the cat. Quickly the cat went from surprise helper, friend, pet, and then finally god.
6. Why did humans care about the cat so much? Psychologists have interesting theories. A cat weighs the same as new baby, and has giant eyes, like a baby. Holding a cat is the perfect size for a human baby and it creates a bond and nurturing affect. Cats = Baby
7. Years marched on an the scientific evidence of having a cat in the house being a good thing is a done deal. Cats lower stress, heart rate, anxiety, and more. They have mostly moved on from vermin catching days and lounge full time.
It’s ok.
They’ve earned it.
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Do you want a wholesome science story?
Oh we got one.
It's about a team of misfit dogs trained by compassionate humans to be freaking super heroes.
🧵
#TSPST
Our story starts with the organization itself.
Rogue Detection Teams.
You can find out more right here:
On Twitter: @roguedetection
Also this video might make you cry:
All photos in this thread are from their very awesome websiteroguedogs.org
@roguedetection The dogs that make up this team are the dogs are ones that society didn’t want.
They are dogs surrendered because of hyperactivity or obsessive behaviours.
These dogs would have had a life of isolation and misery.
This could be a touchy subject for some, but the facts don't lie.
Here are FIVE reasons, based on science, that you should keep your cat inside
---THREAD---
1. Your cat won’t get killed by stuff
Outdoor cats are at risk to be hit by cars, mauled by dogs, eaten by coyotes, and other predators.
Cats could be poisoned by humans OR eat stuff that could kill them.
Or shot.
Outdoor cats die all the time from being outside.
2. Your cat won’t get diseases.
Outdoor cats will come in contact with other cats that are known to carry dangerous diseases.
Even a tiny bit of contact can transmit parasites and diseases like Feline Leukemia and Distemper.
Not great.
The advice in this thread will make you unrecognizable in 30 days.
You owe it to yourself to read it. Trust us.
🧵
Pet One Dog:
Petting a dog will release feel good hormones, decrease your heart rate, and bring a sense of calm into your life.
You will become 10% more efficient.
Pet Two Dogs:
Petting two dogs will release feel good hormones, decrease your heart rate, and bring a sense of calm into your life.
You will be 17.2% more efficient and you will be able to hold your breath for 1 minute.
What makes a dog so friendly?
Is it training?
Is it the breed?
One theory is....love.
Find out why on The Super Pawesome Science Thread!
#TSPST
This story and theory are from the book Dog is Love by Dr. Clive Wynne (@caninecognition) and research by Bridgett vonHoldt.
Shoutout to the scientists that made this wholesome thread pawsible!
Let’s get into it! clivewynne.com/book-1
@caninecognition Science is pretty unanimous when it comes to dogs.
They are unique in how they interact with humans.
A good many scientists feel dogs can understand us in ways other animals can’t.
They can follow a point and hold our gaze.
This is coded in their DNA.
A fluffy giant puppy was the happiest thing in our lives.
One day he had an injury.
Everything turned out ok but we learned harsh lessons.
We hope this story gives potential pet owners some advice.
Bunsen was this adorable, happy puppy.
Every single day was the BEST day of his life.
He was adventurous, always smiling, and attracted a crowd.
Then he broke his toe.
Badly.
To this day we don’t know HOW he broke his toe.
He just started limping and crying.
The happy go-lucky little fuzzball was in pain.