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    Cat by Katharine M. Rogers Summary

    Cat
    Katharine M. Rogers
    3.55 (164 Reviews)
    History
    Society
    Philosophy
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    Overview of Cat

    From ancient Egyptian deity to persecuted witch's familiar - "Cat" unveils the feline's dramatic cultural journey through art, literature, and superstition. The Guardian praises this "beautifully illustrated history" that reveals why cats captivate our imagination across civilizations.

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    Our fascination with cats stems from their remarkable contradictions. They are simultaneously wild and domestic, aloof yet affectionate, predator and pet. Unlike dogs, domesticated 14,000 years ago, cats were the last animals to join human society - and they've never fully surrendered their independence. This unique relationship has inspired everything from ancient Egyptian worship to medieval European persecution. Today, cats outnumber dogs in many countries, with 78 million in the US alone by 2003. Their cultural footprint extends far beyond the home, dominating films, books, and merchandise worldwide. What explains our enduring fascination? Perhaps it's precisely their paradoxical nature - the way they embody both savage hunter and gentle companion, maintaining their wild essence while sharing our most intimate spaces. As Mark Twain observed, a home without "a well-fed, well-petted, and properly revered cat" might be perfect but couldn't "prove title."

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