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.
This post may include affiliate links.
My Crush Just Told Me Over Text That It Was "Unmanly" For Men To Have A Cat. I Sent Her This
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."
This Could’ve Been An Email
Larry Good Cat
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.
"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!"
Caught This Absolute Angel Begging For Treats
Look At The Markings On This Cat
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!
Apex Predator
Close Enough
I Have A Question
Black Cat Kinda Sus
The Committee Against Vacuum Cleaners
Hi!
I Found This Little Boy In The Countryside, Alone. Initially He Was Scared, Now He Seems To Be Pretty Comfortable
Onwards, My Noble Steed!
Catflix And Chill
It's Joke?
She Didn't Like Her New Ears
"Describe Your Cat In One Picture"
Cat zoomies are so much more impressive than dog zoomies 😂😂
Load More Replies...
I have old dumbbells around the base of the cat trees. Because this is real!
I have two adorable 4 month old sisters that I love very much, who are so tiny and sweet... but somehow managed to pull their cat tree down to the floor just last night.They are driving me absolutely crazy. I've had cats all of my adult life but never 2 kittens at once and I think they're ganging up on me.
Load More Replies...
i think you're mistaken, that's 99% of all cats right there. CATCH ME HOOMAN
I was fostering a kitten for a few months that was like this. Out of the 22 cats and kittens I have fostered so far, this one was the zoomiest. Almost every picture I took was blurry. My cat trees are more stable then this but still we had a few near topples. (I was there to catch). She even had 2 playmate kittens, but would often just piss them off with her energy.
Yeah, I've lived with a few of these flying cats. Of course, I learned to hide anything of value.
OMG! That's my black cat! And when she does that at 1 AM, believe me, I just roll okver and go back to sleep.
Don't come to my house then because you would be appalled. My house is as clean as it is going to get with kids and 4 huskies but this house is spotless compared to mine.
Load More Replies...A Motion Sensor Sign
Important Q
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.
What The Hex??!!
Halloween Costume Sorted
The Cat Burglar Has Struck Again!
Getting Head Is Best
Where Is The Syrup, Stanley?
The Way My Cat Sleeps
Behold The Glorious Whiskers Of Shoulder Cat
If You Can't Hide A Crime Scene, Just Pretend You Are A Victim
He Thinks He's Being Sneaky
These Rolls Are Homemade
How Could You Be Mad At Her With Eyes Like Those
"I Do Not See The Humor In This"
Upper cat is clearly contemplating the demise of lower cat aka googly cat.
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
Proud Daddy With His New Litter
I’m Remodeling My Basement And All The Ceiling Tiles Were Just Removed. I Found My Cat Like This
If You Bite Me In The Face, You Get The Bowl!
The New Spiderman Movie Got Me Confused
I Found Our New Church
Wait...
Being Sexy For Ya
Yes, draw her like one of your French girls, she said pre-emptively
Delightful Cat Photos To Brighten Your Day
My Cat Is Sleeping Very Strangely...
When Your Cats Creates Gradient While They Eat
Jailed For Smol Crimes
College Life
Blursed_meeow
"Be There Or Be Square" Me:
I. I Don’t Even Know
Note: this post originally had 98 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.
I have to admit I am friends with more dogs than cats, but dogs are more social. So the few cat friendships are special. These are not my cats btw, I can't imagine not being friends with your own cats.
Dogs are not more (or less) social, they are different in their social behavior.
Load More Replies...
I have to admit I am friends with more dogs than cats, but dogs are more social. So the few cat friendships are special. These are not my cats btw, I can't imagine not being friends with your own cats.
Dogs are not more (or less) social, they are different in their social behavior.
Load More Replies... 
