Discover the Extraordinary Journey of the Ships Cats Who Lapped And Mapped The World

When one thinks of adventure and exploration, images of daring sailors conquering uncharted territories come to mind. However, amidst the hustle and bustle of these maritime expeditions, there were unexpected heroes who accompanied these sailors on their endeavors - the ship's cats.

A Unique Bond between Sailors and Cats

Cats have a long-standing relationship with sailors dating back to ancient times. These feline creatures were not only companions but also held a crucial role on board; they were experts at catching rats and mice, which often infested ships. As such, these reliable whiskered companions soon became indispensable to any seafaring crew.

As voyages to distant lands became more commonplace, tales of these extraordinary cats began to circulate. These cats had a unique ability to adapt to life at sea and could effortlessly traverse oceans alongside their human counterparts.

Seafurrers: The Ships' Cats Who Lapped and Mapped the World

by Jack Sutin (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	19189 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	244 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Pioneers: Ship's Cats in the Age of Exploration

During the Age of Exploration, when sailors embarked on daring journeys to uncharted territories, ship's cats played a crucial role in ensuring their success. The presence of cats helped control the population of rodents, which posed a significant threat to the ship's supplies.

One of the most famous ship's cats of this era was Trim, who sailed alongside Matthew Flinders during his circumnavigation of Australia. Trim not only served as a trusted rodent hunter but also became an integral part of Flinders' crew. His presence provided comfort and companionship during the long and arduous voyage.

Cats as Cartographers

While the primary role of ship's cats was to combat vermin, some feline explorers went above and beyond their expected duties. These exceptional cats took on the role of cartographers, mapping previously unexplored territories with their intuitive knowledge of the ship's movements.

Using their keen senses, ship's cats could detect subtle shifts in gravity and movement within the ship. They memorized these patterns and could predict land masses, islands, and even hidden reefs. Sailors soon realized the potential of this extraordinary feline ability, and expeditions began to rely on the cats to guide them to safe waters and uncharted destinations.

Legends and Mischievous Voyagers

The stories of ship's cats are filled with adventure, bravery, and occasional mischief. From tales of cats surviving shipwrecks to stories of their cunning escapades in foreign ports, these four-legged sailors became legends within the maritime world.

One such legend is that of Mrs. Chippy, a cat who accompanied Sir Ernest Shackleton's Endurance expedition to Antarctica. Mrs. Chippy, despite being a tomcat mistaken for a female due to his fluffy appearance, brought joy and laughter to the crew during their treacherous journey. Unfortunately, both the crew and Mrs. Chippy were ultimately stranded on the ice, but their story of survival remains etched in history.

Ship's Cats: A Lasting Legacy

Although the era of sail has passed and modern ships no longer require the hunting skills of ship's cats, their legacy lives on. Today, there are still seafaring vessels that embrace this centuries-old tradition, with ship's cats serving as mascots and companions to crews across the globe.

These cats not only symbolize the bond between sailors and their feline companions but also serve as a reminder of the undeniable resilience and adaptability of these remarkable creatures. The legacy of the fearless ship's cats who lapped and mapped the world continues to inspire awe and fascination.

In

The extraordinary journey of the ship's cats who lapped and mapped the world is a testament to the strength of the bond between humans and animals in times of exploration and adversity. These brave and resourceful creatures played an integral role in maritime expeditions by keeping the ship and crew safe from pesky rodents, while some went beyond expectations and guided their human counterparts through uncharted territories.

Their stories of heroism, survival, and camaraderie are legendary and evoke a sense of wonder. The ship's cats who lapped and mapped the world are a captivating part of history, reminding us of the remarkable capabilities and enduring presence of our feline companions.

Seafurrers: The Ships' Cats Who Lapped and Mapped the World

by Jack Sutin (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	19189 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	244 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

A cat’s-eye view of maritime history: “Priceless historic photographs . . . deep and wide-ranging research . . . a ball of spellbinding and hilarious sea yarns.” —Richard J. King, author of Ahab’s Rolling Sea: A Natural History of “Moby-Dick”

We remember the bold seafarers of yore—from Magellan to Shackleton—for their extraordinary exploits: new lands discovered, storms weathered, and battles won. But somehow history has neglected the stalwart, hardworking species who made it all possible . . . yes, the noble cat!

In Seafurrers, able sea cat Bart sets the record straight at last. “Fear of water” aside, cats were indispensable at sea—both as pest controllers and as beloved mascots. Thirty–eight tales recount the adventures of Trim (who circumnavigated Australia), Tom (the sole feline survivor of the sinking of the USS Maine), celebrity cat Simon (a veteran of the Yangtze Incident), and other furry heroes.

Filled with nautical trivia, rare photographs, and whimsical illustrations, this deft genealogy of human–feline friendship will stir your regard for the incomparable cat—whether on the couch or in the crow’s nest.