08/21/2023
Back in ancient times, sailors noticed that ships that had cats aboard seemed to fare better on their journeys. Cats, with their innate hunting skills, kept the ship's rodent population in check. Rats and mice, notorious for damaging cargo and vital supplies, met their match in these vigilant feline guardians. ๐๐ซ๐ฑ
The four-legged crew members proved invaluable: cats not only curbed rat infestations, but they also served as good luck charms. Sailors believed that having a cat on board brought fortune and protected them against stormy seas and misfortune. ๐ณ๏ธ๐พ
๐ข Captain AJ Hailey with his cat on RMS Empress of Canada, 1920s
๐ข Convoy was the ship's cat aboard HMS Hermione. He had a tiny hammock in which he slept during the Second World War.
๐ข ID for Herman the Cat, issued by Captain of Port, Baltimore, Maryland. Occupation: Expert Mouser... signed with his paw! ๐พ
๐ข Tiddles, was born (on board!) HMS Argus. He was often found on the aft capstan, playing with the bell rope. He eventually travelled over 48,000 km during his time in service throughout the 1940s.
๐ข Polish sailors on the warship Burza play with Kicia and two of her kittens that she moved to safety before an attack on the vessel off France in 1940.
๐ข And today? , an Elf Sphynx cat, gets to enjoy a luxury lifestyle travelling around the world with her owner, Captain Kate, on one of newest ships. What a life!
