40 Funny Pics Of Cats Being Themselves And Showing Off Their Shredded Masterpieces

No matter how much stuff kitties destroy, their parents can't help but love them and constantly gush over them. However, did you know that this bond between felines and their hoomans is pretty old? Research says that it all started in the Fertile Crescent when humans first began farming and storing grain.

Naturally, all that seed attracted a ton of mice, which lured wildcats looking for an easy snack. The most laid-back cats realized that sticking around humans meant a steady food supply, which basically kicked off their journey to becoming our roommates. By about 3,700 years ago, they were officially part of the neighborhood.

However, it was ancient Egypt, around 2,900 years ago, where cats reached celebrity status. They were closely linked to the goddess Bastet, treated as sacred royalty, and even bred in temples. In fact, they were so loved that their owners had them mummified just so they could hang out together in the afterlife.

Experts believe that cats basically started their campaign for world domination back in 31 BC when Rome took over Egypt. They quickly wriggled their way into Roman hearts, and from there, they slowly conquered the rest of Europe. Later on, these fluffballas also hitched rides on ships with Christopher Columbus and the Mayflower Pilgrims, officially securing their spot in America.

For generations, cats weren't just sitting around looking cute, as they had a serious job doing pest control. In fact, they were so good at it that by the turn of the 20th century, the U.S. Post Office actually put cats on the official payroll to protect mail and packages from rodents.

While they were busy working, they were also stealing our hearts. By 1895, New Yorkers were so obsessed that they hosted the very first competitive cat show. By the time World War I wrapped up, they had become as close to people as their own blood relatives.

Honestly, even though so many cats live with us, I still wonder if they’re actually fully domesticated. Unlike dogs, felines basically chose to move in with us on their own terms. Real, intentional domestication mostly only happened with pedigree cats, and they’re just a tiny fraction of the cat world.

While their lifestyle has changed a lot today, biologically, they’re pretty much the same wild animals they were thousands of years ago. They have a reputation for being a bit distant and aloof, but they can be absolute darlings once they warm up to you. Science even backs this up, showing that having a cat around can seriously lower your stress, anxiety, and blood pressure.

Sometimes, hoomans can get confused as to why their feline is suddenly in destructive mode. However, researchers state that it's totally normal. The main reasons they scratch or shred things are sharpening their claws, marking territory, security, and alleviating boredom.

Researchers elaborate that rather than getting angry or reprimanding your cat, providing an alternative place to scratch and having access to mental stimulation can help. However, if it's incessant and you notice that it's causing pain to your kitty, then it's time to take a small trip to the vet.

Well, one thing's for sure: when kitties shred out of boredom, they create the most iconic art pieces, and this list is proof enough. All that talk about felines reminded me of my bestie's notorious cat, Luna. It's definitely entertaining to watch her get creative when she shreds through stuff.

Anyway, dear readers, that's it from our end as we leave you to peruse the remaining list and let the cats entertain you with their shredding. If you have instances of your feline acting the same way, feel free to share your stories with us in the comments!