In addition to offering sailors much-needed companionship on long voyages, cats provided protection by ridding ships of vermin. Without the presence of cats, a crew might find their ship overrun with rats and mice that would eat into the provisions, chew through ropes, and …

Cats were believed to have miraculous powers that could protect ships from dangerous weather. Sometimes, fishermen's wives would keep black cats at home too, in the hope that they would be able to use their influence to protect their husbands at sea. It was believed to be lucky if a cat approached a sailor on deck, but unlucky if it only came ...

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Jul 29, 2021 · At sea, cats had the run of the ship — a tradition dating back thousands of years. Gizmodo cited the U.S. Naval Institute’s Naval History blog post on cats and sailors, “Cats in the Sea Services”: Sailors and cats have a special relationship that dates back thousands of years.

Feb 17, 2023 · Here are seven of the more-celebrated cats who served at sea. 1. Blackie (AKA Churchill) Pictured above, the (mostly) black Blackie was the ship cat for HMS Prince of Wales, a King George...

Sea cats, aka marine otters, Lontra felina (Molina, 1782), are rare and poorly-known marine mammals of the weasel family Mustelidae. They are the most exclusively marine species of the otters of South America, and rarely even venture into freshwater or estuarine habitats.

Dec 16, 2024 · Life at sea is challenging, and cats are typically terrestrial animals. However, those cats living aboard ships developed unique behaviors to adapt to their maritime environments. Cats are naturally agile and curious, skills that served them well in navigating tight quarters and climbing rigging.

Jun 30, 2022 · The book takes a deep dive into the history of cats at sea. (Courtesy Naval Institute Press) It also includes probably the largest extant published collection of seagoing cat images.

Mar 4, 2025 · The phrase “cat of the sea” conjures up images of sleek, agile creatures navigating the ocean’s depths with feline grace. While no true cats reside in the sea, the title is attributed to several different animals, each possessing qualities that make them a worthy contender.

Dec 18, 2023 · Discover the intriguing role of Cats in Maritime History! Dive into tales of seafaring felines and their symbolic significance at sea.