ADVERTISEMENT

In true feline form, cats aren't in a hurry to jump onto our laps.

According to one comprehensive study that looked at the spread of domesticated cats, DNA analysis suggests that these animals lived for thousands of years alongside humans before they were domesticated. During that time, their genes have changed little from those of wildcats, apart from picking up one recent "update": the distinctive stripes and dots of the tabby cat.

Since the moment they decided to join our households, felines have completely taken over our lives. In ancient Egypt, for example, people built cemeteries for them—Egyptians mummified their kitties and made statues for them that are exhibited in museum collections across the world to this day.

Of course, our life has changed dramatically during the last couple of millennia, but our love for cats has remained the same. Continue scrolling to check out this original Bored Panda list to learn why. When you go through the funny cat pictures we collected, fire up our similar publications dedicated to them here, here, and here.

#1

My Crush Just Told Me Over Text That It Was "Unmanly" For Men To Have A Cat. I Sent Her This

My Crush Just Told Me Over Text That It Was "Unmanly" For Men To Have A Cat. I Sent Her This

Report

It is believed that cats started hanging around farming communities in the Fertile Crescent about 8,000 years ago, where they formed a mutually beneficial relationship with humans as their rodent patrol.

"Since domestic cats are remarkably similar to their wildcat ancestors, they retained a side to them that is fierce and elusive," Lucy Hoile, a Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB) who specializes in these animals told Bored Panda.

"However, they are surprisingly adaptable, living comfortable lifestyles in the most urban of areas and forming strong, affectionate relationships with the people they live with. These two features of the pet cat make them an enigma that is difficult to find with any other pet species."

#2

This Could’ve Been An Email

This Could’ve Been An Email

twcuddleston Report

#3

Larry Good Cat

Larry Good Cat

AuKF Report

Add photo comments
POST
suzannehaigh avatar
Tee Witt
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

His first time out and he thought of you, he is saying a big thankyou for his new home

View more commentsArrow down menu

Some dog lovers might argue that cats are selfish and arrogant, but Hoile reassured us that felines are still living with us because they know we can provide them with significant benefits, and not just food and shelter.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Cats will often form strong emotional attachments to their owners, identifying them as part of their social group through facial and body marking. Cat owners are now more than just bringers of tasty food and a warm bed!"

#4

Caught This Absolute Angel Begging For Treats

Caught This Absolute Angel Begging For Treats

reddit.com Report

And just because the average kitty sleeps around 16 hours a day, that doesn't mean they're lazy. They simply need to stay sharp!

"Being opportunistic hunters, they are built for short bursts of activity when prey presents itself," Lucy Hoile explained. "Periods of rest in-between are essential to conserve energy at other times of the day."

In fact, some of these furry critters (just like dogs) have no trouble earning their living through honest work. Just take a look at these bodega cats who keep convenience stores and corner shops pest-free!

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
#11

The Committee Against Vacuum Cleaners

The Committee Against Vacuum Cleaners

reddit.com Report

#14

I Found This Little Boy In The Countryside, Alone. Initially He Was Scared, Now He Seems To Be Pretty Comfortable

I Found This Little Boy In The Countryside, Alone. Initially He Was Scared, Now He Seems To Be Pretty Comfortable

Aritmico Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#18

She Didn't Like Her New Ears

She Didn't Like Her New Ears

reddit.com Report

#20

A Motion Sensor Sign

A Motion Sensor Sign

hamstertalk Report

#21

Important Q

Important Q

sam_antics Report

Add photo comments
POST
shaynameidela avatar
Dorothy Parker
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The one on the right is Alfred Hitchcock. The left could be Donald Trump. Which would drive him over the edge. If you play with the fur you could turn Don into Cary Grant.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#24

The Cat Burglar Has Struck Again!

The Cat Burglar Has Struck Again!

Brunson21 Report

#25

Getting Head Is Best

Getting Head Is Best

reddit.com Report

#27

The Way My Cat Sleeps

The Way My Cat Sleeps

Interkrmn Report

#28

Behold The Glorious Whiskers Of Shoulder Cat

Behold The Glorious Whiskers Of Shoulder Cat

reddit.com Report

#29

If You Can't Hide A Crime Scene, Just Pretend You Are A Victim

If You Can't Hide A Crime Scene, Just Pretend You Are A Victim

7h3_D4RKN355 Report

#30

He Thinks He's Being Sneaky

He Thinks He's Being Sneaky

Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#31

These Rolls Are Homemade

These Rolls Are Homemade

reddit.com Report

#32

How Could You Be Mad At Her With Eyes Like Those

How Could You Be Mad At Her With Eyes Like Those

reddit.com Report

#33

"I Do Not See The Humor In This"

"I Do Not See The Humor In This"

IStanCatwoman Report

#34

Today I Was Extremely Sad And I Thought "I Can't Wait To Go Home And See My Cat, He Will Make Me Happy". Ok Well I Found Out He Was More Depressed Than Me

Today I Was Extremely Sad And I Thought "I Can't Wait To Go Home And See My Cat, He Will Make Me Happy". Ok Well I Found Out He Was More Depressed Than Me

gianlucadelonge Report

Add photo comments
POST
vickyz avatar
Vicky Z
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thinking all of your life choices....or thinking that your hooman will come at make you happy again!

View more commentsArrow down menu
#36

I’m Remodeling My Basement And All The Ceiling Tiles Were Just Removed. I Found My Cat Like This

I’m Remodeling My Basement And All The Ceiling Tiles Were Just Removed. I Found My Cat Like This

proffie Report

#37

If You Bite Me In The Face, You Get The Bowl!

If You Bite Me In The Face, You Get The Bowl!

Saul_g0od Report

#38

The New Spiderman Movie Got Me Confused

The New Spiderman Movie Got Me Confused

reddit.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#40

Wait...

Wait...

reddit.com Report

#41

Being Sexy For Ya

Being Sexy For Ya

reddit.com Report

#42

Delightful Cat Photos To Brighten Your Day

Delightful Cat Photos To Brighten Your Day

MizWeirdo Report

#44

When Your Cats Creates Gradient While They Eat

When Your Cats Creates Gradient While They Eat

reddit.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#50

I. I Don’t Even Know

I. I Don’t Even Know

niceabear Report

Note: this post originally had 98 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.