Home Plan - [GR2-L5-U1-LC1-32 The History of House Cats]

The document covers the evolving relationship between cats and people throughout history, from ancient Egypt where cats were revered as magical beings, to medieval Europe where superstitions led to fear of cats, and to modern times where pet cats are cherished companions. It discusses the roles of cats in controlling pests, the impact of indoor versus outdoor lifestyles on their longevity, and the development of different cat breeds. The document also highlights the issue of cat adoption from shelters, stressing the importance of providing homes for the millions of cats in need.

Contents

• Pages 1—28: Comprehension tips for cats.
• Pages 29—47: Cats and humans.
• Pages 48—56: Cat-human companionship history

This section of the document provides tips for learning comprehension skills and vocabulary related to a text about the evolving relationship between cats and people. It includes learning objectives such as summarizing text, making inferences, and understanding new vocabulary words. The text discusses the changes in the behavior of cats over time, from breeding near towns to developing different breeds and colors. It also covers the taming of cats, how they became companions to people due to hunting pests, and their physical traits making them excellent hunters. Additionally, it mentions that people in ancient Egypt respected cats by making mummies for them and even punished those who harmed cats. Practice activities are included to reinforce understanding of the text and related vocabulary.

The section discusses the growing friendship between cats and humans over time. In ancient Egypt, people believed cats were magical animals that brought good luck, with some gods taking the form of cats. Cat mummies in Egypt show their significance, and harming a cat was punishable. Tame cats spread around the world on trade ships, helping control pests. In medieval Europe, cats were feared due to superstitions about them being evil, but many kept them for their hunting abilities. Additionally, outdoor cats can harm bird populations, while indoor pet cats enjoy longer lifespans due to modern care practices like using kitty litter. Furthermore, the appearance of cats evolved over time, with different breeds emerging in various regions. In the 1800s in England, people began breeding cats in different colors, culminating in the first cat show in London where a Persian cat won.

The section discusses the companionship between cats and humans throughout history, emphasizing how cats have charmed people with their playfulness and grace. It also touches upon cat adoption, mentioning that over three million cats enter shelters in the U.S. annually, but fewer than two million are adopted. The document encourages families looking for a pet cat to consider adopting from local animal shelters. Additionally, it briefly mentions the importance of taming house cats, how people in ancient Egypt viewed cats as magical animals, and how cats have evolved and adapted over time.