What is a ship's cat?
Q: What is a ship's cat?
A: A ship's cat is a cat that rides along on a ship.
Q: When did the tradition of having cats aboard ships begin?
A: The tradition of having cats aboard ships dates back to ancient times.
Q: Why were cats carried on ships?
A: Cats were carried on ships primarily to catch mice and rats, which can damage ropes, wooden parts, and electrical wiring of the ship. They also threatened the cargo by eating food meant for the crew and damaging other goods like grain. Additionally, they spread disease which was dangerous for sailors who could be away from home for long periods of time.
Q: How did cats help sailors?
A: Cats offered companionship (friendship), a sense of home and security, and lifted sailors' spirits while they were away from home for long periods - especially in times of war.
Q: What natural ability do cats have that made them suitable for serving on ships?
A: Cats have a natural ability to get used to new surroundings quickly, making them well-suited to serve on ships.
Q: Could rats have been responsible for spreading the Black Death?
A: Yes, rats on ships may have been one of the main reasons why the Black Death spread due to their ability to carry plague through rat fleas.
