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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
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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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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!

#7

Apex Predator

Apex Predator

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

I picked up a co-worker one morning, he told me he had the laziest cat in the world. He then showed the gift. It was a mouse on a glue trap. He doesn't have glue traps.

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

I'm worried about this fluffer's eye. It looks the way my cat's did before we had to have it removed. Bless this little snowball.

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

Never underestimate the ferocity of a fallen leaf! Grrr! ----- the cat

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

I knew I'd been adopted when my (former... RIP) kitty spent a day bringing dragonfly after dragonfly to my front door... followed by a baby garter snake. We were living on the upper floor of an apartment complex at the time, so that took some serious long-term focus on her part. Until then, I wasn't aware cats could be so concentrated on a goal for that length of time. She taught me a LOT.

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

My first thought: “JESUS WHAT HAPPENED TO HIS FACE!!?”

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

If he were mine, I would have this pic blown up, framed, and hanging in my living room.

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

I sure hope this beauty doesn't have a sight problem... Her/his eyes baffle me. 😳

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

Snowy and her leaf!!🤣🤣🤣🤗😘😻🍂💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

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AJ the panda.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nature show presenter: "Here we have the rare white house cat displaying it's amazing catch of a rare autumn leaf."

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

Fresh kill? That leaf has been dead for quite some time

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

That’s so cute! Wish my cats would hunt leaves instead of mice and pidgeons

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Catlady6000
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Two cats I used to have, a mom and daughter, each had their areas of expertise. The daughter always brought snakes and lizards, alive. The mom was birds (alive) and moles. They both caught mice. It was always something

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

A sign your cat is not wild about the food you buy it

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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.