Brains On! Science podcast for kids
Catnip, cat naps, and the history of house cats
Jul 16, 2024
Cat expert Mikel Delgado talks about catnip, cat naps, and why cats love to lick themselves. The hosts explore the history of house cats, visit a chaotic cat café, and discuss various cat behaviors like their preference for catnip and dislike for water. Plus, a playful mystery sound guessing game adds a fun twist to the episode.
31:02
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Quick takeaways
- Cats were domesticated 10,000 years ago in the Middle East, revered by ancient Egyptians.
- Cats are crepuscular creatures, sleeping up to 20 hours, cautious around water, and attracted to catnip.
Deep dives
Domestication of Cats and Cat Breeds
Cats were first domesticated around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent region, which is now the Middle East. Ancient Egyptians venerated cats and mummified them alongside their owners. Today, there are over 45 cat breeds, but cats have remained quite similar to their wild ancestors. Cats lick themselves not only to stay clean but also to distribute their distinct scent for recognition.
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