New Books in History Jerry Moore, "Cat Tales: A History" (Thames & Hudson, 2025)
Dec 14, 2025
Dr. Jerry Moore, an archaeologist and professor emeritus, dives into the captivating history of cats in his latest work, 'Cat Tales: A History.' He explores how early cat-human interactions shaped both species, noting the shift from wild predators to cherished companions due to agriculture. Moore highlights ancient veneration of cats across cultures, including Egyptian practices and pet cemeteries. He also discusses modern challenges of urban wildlife, using the story of P-22, a Hollywood cougar, to illustrate our ongoing fascination with these charismatic animals.
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Personal Curiosity Framed As Scholarship
- Jerry D Moore connects personal curiosity about a cat on his lap to an anthropological archaeology approach.
- He frames the book as linking personal experience with broader human-animal histories.
Predation Shaped Primate And Human Behavior
- Early hominins experienced cats as predators and developed specific anti-predator behaviors.
- Studies of modern primates show distinct alarm calls and strategies for different predators, informing human evolution.
Charisma Is Deeply Rooted In Human Culture
- 'Charismatic' animals repeat across deep time in art and culture, especially big cats.
- Upper Paleolithic artists selected big cats for depiction, echoing modern conservation charisma.
