The text is a detailed exploration of the history, evolution, and cultural significance of cats. It begins by discussing the mysterious nature of cats, their adaptability, and their ability to manipulate humans. The narrator then delves into the evolutionary history of cats, tracing their lineage back to a small, agile animal called Dormalacion Laturi, which lived around 55 million years ago.
The narrator also discusses the complex relationship between humans and cats, highlighting the fact that cats remain predators even after domestication. The text then explores the hunting techniques of cats, such as their use of paws and ears to track prey. The narrator also mentions a scientific experiment where cats were allowed to roam freely, revealing their impressive hunting abilities.
The text then delves into the cultural significance of cats, discussing their depiction in ancient Egyptian and Greek mythology. It mentions how cats were revered as companions of gods and goddesses, and how they were even mummified in ancient Egypt. The narrator also discusses the evolution of cat breeds over time, with humans selecting for certain traits that were beneficial to them.
The text then discusses the modern role of cats in society, mentioning cities like Istanbul where cats are treated as tourist attractions. The narrator also mentions the tradition of naming cats in England, with some cats even having official positions in government residences.
The narrator concludes by discussing the role of cats in the Hermitage museum in St. Petersburg, Russia, where they are given special court status. The text ends by emphasizing the importance of cats in our lives, stating that they not only saved humanity from hunger but also make our homes more comfortable.
1. The text discusses the mysterious nature of cats, their habits, and their ability to manipulate humans.
2. It mentions the debate among scientists about whether humans tamed cats or if cats tamed humans.
3. The text highlights the charming, mysterious, and useful nature of cats.
4. It refers to the cat as an animal that changed the world.
5. The text discusses the different interests, attachments, and habits that people share, including preferences for tea, coffee, and okroshka kefir.
6. It mentions the dispute between those who prefer dogs as pets and those who love cats more.
7. The text explains that cats and dogs are distant relatives, with their paths on the evolutionary tree diverging a long time ago.
8. It mentions the common ancestor of cats and dogs, a small but extremely agile animal called Dormalacion Laturi.
9. The text discusses the evolution of cats, including their transition from being saber-toothed to becoming loose-toothed.
10. It mentions the impressive saber-toothed cats of ancient times, such as the Smilodon or saber-toothed tiger.
11. The text discusses the hunting techniques of cats, including their use of paws, fur between their fingers, and vibrissae.
12. It mentions the fact that cats can cover a distance of 3 to 7 kilometers during the night.
13. The text discusses the feature of cats that allows them to bring their prey as a gift to their owners.
14. It mentions the cat's natural instinct to teach hunting techniques to their kittens.
15. The text discusses the domestication of cats, stating that it was more of a peace treaty than actual domestication.
16. It mentions the belief that the first meetings of cats and humans occurred in Egypt, but scientists have proven that our contact took place on the territory of the fertile crescent.
17. The text discusses the mummification process of cats in ancient Egypt, which was identical to the process of human mummification.
18. It mentions the respect and reverence that ancient Egyptians had for cats, comparing them to the Sun God and the goddess of hunting Artemis.
19. The text discusses the cat's ability to manipulate humans, stating that only domestic cats meow, while wild cats are silent and can only growl, hiss, and purr.
20. It mentions the evolution of cats over the millennia, stating that they have learned to communicate with humans and even changed the timbre of their voice when demanding food.
21. The text discusses the different breeds of cats, stating that there are about 200 breeds in the world.
22. It mentions the cities where a real cult of cats flourishes, such as Istanbul.
23. The text discusses the cats that lived at the court of the pharaohs, stating that in England, they know by name such cats, for example, constantly live in the residence of the Prime Minister of Great Britain.
24. It mentions the cat named Jock, who lived at Winston Churchill's estate, and the fact that Churchill even changed his will to ensure that there would always be a cat named Jock in his house.
25. The text discusses the cats that live in the Hermitage art museum of St. Petersburg, stating that these cats have a special status.
26. It mentions the cats that saved Empress Elizabeth from the nightly visits of rats in the Hermitage art museum of St. Petersburg.
27. The text discusses the cats that are associated with the names of great people, stating that these cats are loved and respected.
28. It mentions the cats that are not associated with the names of great people, stating that these cats are also loved and respected.
29. The text discusses the fact that cats not only saved humanity from the threat of hunger but also make our homes more comfortable with their mere presence.