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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

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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

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#3

Larry Good Cat

Larry Good Cat

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Tee Witt
Community Member
2 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

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GFSTaylor
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Vila's first catch was a little strip of carpet. This was followed by a bit of foam, and then a cooked sausage. He eventually graduated to mice and small birds.

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AspieGirl88
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why does it look like we’ve intruded on a ritual of some kind? LOL. 😂

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Diphylleia Grayi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very thankful friend, I would like my parents' cats do the same, no mice, no butterflies NOR moths 😖😔😭

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E
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The other cats want Larry to 'leaf' them alone.

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Riley Quinn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We all have to start somewhere. Congratulations, Larry. Your friends seem impressed (not really, but sometimes it's right to fib).

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Nul Nemo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aww, he reminds me of the also black Puck from the Breaking Cat News comics, who valiantly swats leaves to death every autumn! 😸🍂

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Caroline Overill
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seriously dude that is just a dead leaf. It is a cat eating leaf insect and if you say any different I'll scratch your fur off.

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Marie deHeryng
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aww Larry, leaf it to you to show them up!!🤣🤣🤣🤗😘😻💖💖💖💖💖💖

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Eva Muller
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My cat has always been an outside/inside cat. All she has ever caught/does catch are leaves. So we feel you buddy <3 job well done!

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Alexandre Yaworski
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love how he's looking for approval from the other two... And they're actually curious about what he brought!

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Seonie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

😭 It looks like he's asking the other two "did I get it right??"

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jaislndgrl
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At first glance Larry looks like he has three eyes then I realized it's his collar. Phew!! Nice leaf Larry

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Marnie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe stop thinking of the cat as a child and the other cats as his siblings and he'll adjust better. He's an adult cat, not your juvenile offspring. Treat him with more respect, please.

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Marylu Horkowitz
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He hasn't yet learned to kill songbirds. Oh sorry, "go hunting".

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Hańka
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do not let your cats hunt. https://scienceinpoland.pap.pl/en/news/news%2C32677%2Cresearchers-cats-kill-millions-mammals-and-birds-poland-every-year.html

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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!"

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#4

Caught This Absolute Angel Begging For Treats

Caught This Absolute Angel Begging For Treats

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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!

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#11

The Committee Against Vacuum Cleaners

The Committee Against Vacuum Cleaners

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#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

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#18

She Didn't Like Her New Ears

She Didn't Like Her New Ears

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#20

A Motion Sensor Sign

A Motion Sensor Sign

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#21

Important Q

Important Q

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Dorothy Parker
Community Member
2 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.

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#24

The Cat Burglar Has Struck Again!

The Cat Burglar Has Struck Again!

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#25

Getting Head Is Best

Getting Head Is Best

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#27

The Way My Cat Sleeps

The Way My Cat Sleeps

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#28

Behold The Glorious Whiskers Of Shoulder Cat

Behold The Glorious Whiskers Of Shoulder Cat

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#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

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#30

He Thinks He's Being Sneaky

He Thinks He's Being Sneaky

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#31

These Rolls Are Homemade

These Rolls Are Homemade

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#32

How Could You Be Mad At Her With Eyes Like Those

How Could You Be Mad At Her With Eyes Like Those

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#33

"I Do Not See The Humor In This"

"I Do Not See The Humor In This"

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#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

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Vicky Z
Community Member
2 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!

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#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

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#37

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

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

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#38

The New Spiderman Movie Got Me Confused

The New Spiderman Movie Got Me Confused

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#40

Wait...

Wait...

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#41

Being Sexy For Ya

Being Sexy For Ya

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#42

Delightful Cat Photos To Brighten Your Day

Delightful Cat Photos To Brighten Your Day

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#44

When Your Cats Creates Gradient While They Eat

When Your Cats Creates Gradient While They Eat

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#50

I. I Don’t Even Know

I. I Don’t Even Know

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