TED-Ed: The history of the world according to cats - Eva-Maria Geigl

The video explores the fascinating journey of cats from wild predators to domesticated companions. It begins with the story of Unsinkable Sam, a cat that survived multiple shipwrecks during World War II, highlighting the historical role of cats in naval settings. The video then delves into the domestication process, tracing back over 10,000 years to the Neolithic era, where wildcats began living alongside humans for mutual benefit. It discusses the spread of cats across the globe, particularly their importance on ships for pest control. Finally, it examines the genetic continuity between ancient and modern cats, noting that despite domestication, cats have retained much of their wild nature.

What event led to the survival of the cat known as Unsinkable Sam?

How did the domestication of cats begin according to the text?

What role did cats play on ships during the time of the Roman Empire?

Describe the relationship between Neolithic farmers and wildcats.

What are some of the characteristics that differentiate ancient wildcats from modern domestic cats?