Cats in the Navy
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The article describes how cats were often kept on board ships to control the rodent population, which was a serious problem at sea. The author notes that cats were particularly well-suited to this task because of their hunting instincts and their ability to navigate in small spaces.
The article also discusses how cats were treated by sailors. Cats were often considered good luck and were given special treatment by the crew. They were given their own uniforms and hammocks, and were even allowed to eat from the captain’s table. The author argues that this treatment reflects the important role that cats played in the lives of sailors and in naval history more broadly.