Today, cats are famous for knocking things off tables and starring in viral videos—but once upon a time, our feline companions had actual careers. Long before they became pampered lap pets and social media stars, cats were hard at work across the globe, doing everything from catching rats on warships to delivering mail and even helping scientists reach the stars.
These whiskered workers earned their keep through real, meaningful contributions to society—some even saved lives or made history. Curious to know what kind of 9-to-5 your cat’s ancestors might have worked?
1. Ship’s Cat: Naval Mousers Who Ruled the Seven Seas
Sailors considered cats essential crew members on their voyages across treacherous oceans. These nautical felines protected valuable food stores from rats and mice that could quickly devastate supplies on long journeys. Without their keen hunting skills, many crews might have faced starvation.
Beyond pest control, ship’s cats provided companionship and boosted morale during months at sea. Sailors believed cats brought good luck and could predict weather changes – a sudden burst of energy from a cat might signal an approaching storm.
Famous ship’s cats like Unsinkable Sam reportedly survived three shipwrecks during World War II, including the sinking of the Bismarck. These seafaring felines earned their place in maritime history through both practical services and their legendary status among superstitious sailors.
2. Postal Cats: The Feline Mail Carriers of Belgium
In the 1870s, the Belgian Society for the Elevation of the Domestic Cat trained 37 cats to deliver messages between villages. Small waterproof pouches containing letters were attached to their collars, allowing these feline messengers to navigate between specific locations. The experiment aimed to utilize cats’ remarkable homing instincts for practical communication purposes.
While the program lasted only a brief time, these pioneering postal cats demonstrated impressive delivery speeds. One cat reportedly completed its route in under five hours – a journey that would have taken a human messenger substantially longer on foot.
Though ultimately replaced by more reliable methods, these mail-carrying mousers represent an unusual chapter in postal history. Their natural territorial instincts and navigation abilities made them surprisingly effective, if somewhat unpredictable, mail carriers.
3. Theater Cats: Backstage Mousers of Broadway and Beyond
Theaters worldwide have employed resident cats since the early days of stage productions. These performing arts felines protected valuable costumes and set materials from rodents attracted to fabric, glue, and other stage-making materials. Many became beloved mascots, with their own fan clubs among theatergoers!
London’s famous West End theaters have particularly strong feline traditions. The Gielgud Theatre’s cat Beerbohm was so popular that he received fan mail and birthday cards from admirers. Some theater cats even developed a taste for the spotlight, occasionally wandering onstage during performances.
These cultural guardians continue their work today in many historic theaters. New York’s Belasco Theatre reportedly still houses descendants of cats originally brought in during the early 1900s, maintaining a century-long tradition of feline employment in the arts.
4. War Cats: Feline Veterans Who Served in the Trenches
During both World Wars, cats served alongside soldiers in trenches and military installations. Their primary duty was controlling the rat populations that spread disease and damaged supplies, but their contributions extended far beyond pest control. Many became unofficial mascots, boosting morale and providing comfort to troops facing unimaginable horrors.
In World War I trenches, cats also served as early warning systems. Their acute senses could detect incoming gas attacks before humans, giving soldiers precious extra seconds to don protective masks. Military units often adopted these four-legged sentinels, carrying them between postings.
5. Library Cats: The Literary Guardians of Ancient Manuscripts
Libraries have employed cats as guardians of knowledge since ancient Egyptian times. These scholarly felines protected irreplaceable scrolls and books from mice and rats that would otherwise feast on paper and binding materials. The tradition continued through medieval monasteries into modern times, with many libraries worldwide still maintaining resident cats.
Library cats often achieved celebrity status among readers and scholars. Dewey Readmore Books, who lived at Spencer Public Library in Iowa for 19 years, became so famous that tourists traveled specifically to meet him. His story eventually became a bestselling book.
Beyond their practical role, these literary cats provided comfort to readers and created welcoming atmospheres. The Islamic world particularly valued library cats – several ancient manuscripts contain actual paw prints from cats who wandered across pages before the ink dried, literally leaving their mark on literary history!
6. Lighthouse Cats: Keepers of the Flame in Isolated Outposts
Lighthouse keepers living in remote locations relied on cats as both working partners and companions. These maritime mousers protected vital food supplies and equipment from rodents while providing much-needed company during long, isolated watches. Their presence helped prevent the psychological toll of extreme solitude.
The practical value of lighthouse cats extended beyond pest control. Many keepers trained their feline assistants to perform helpful tasks like retrieving small objects or even activating certain mechanisms in emergencies. Their keen senses often alerted keepers to changes in weather or approaching visitors before humans noticed.
Historical records from the 19th century mention specific lighthouse cats by name, including Mr. Tibbs of Scotland’s Bell Rock Lighthouse, who reportedly learned to predict storm patterns through barometric pressure changes. These specialized working cats represent a fascinating intersection of maritime history and human-animal partnerships in challenging environments.
7. Scientific Research Cats: Feline Pioneers in Space and Labs
Cats made significant contributions to scientific advancement, particularly during the space race of the 1960s. France sent the first feline astronaut, Félicette, into space in 1963. This brave space cat underwent extensive training before her successful suborbital flight, returning safely to Earth via parachute after experiencing weightlessness.
In medical research, cats helped scientists understand neurological systems due to similarities with human brain structures. Their participation led to breakthroughs in understanding vision, sleep patterns, and motor control. Many veterinary advances that benefit cats today came from these early research programs.
Unlike many laboratory animals, research cats often formed special bonds with scientists. Historical photographs show researchers alongside their feline colleagues, demonstrating the unique relationship that developed. These scientific cats literally expanded our understanding of the universe while helping improve life for both humans and animals.