6. Cats in the Modern Era
The nineteenth century marked a turning point. In the Victorian era, keeping pets became a middle and upper class pastime. Cat shows and breeding programs began in earnest. The first modern cat show was held at London’s Crystal Palace in 1871. It catalyzed the formalization of cat breeds, and the development of cat fancier societies. The British Shorthair, Persian, and Siamese, were among the first recognized breeds. In Japan, the “maneki-neko,” or beckoning cat, became a symbol of good fortune.
In Russia, cats were kept in the Hermitage Museum to control rodent populations, and are still employed there today. In the United States, cats gained widespread popularity in the twentieth century. The invention of commercial cat food and litter made keeping cats more convenient, while their independent nature suited modern lifestyles. By the late twentieth century, cats surpassed dogs as the most popular pet in many urban settings.
