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In true feline form, cats aren't in a hurry to jump onto our laps.

According to one comprehensive study that looked at the spread of domesticated cats, DNA analysis suggests that these animals lived for thousands of years alongside humans before they were domesticated. During that time, their genes have changed little from those of wildcats, apart from picking up one recent "update": the distinctive stripes and dots of the tabby cat.

Since the moment they decided to join our households, felines have completely taken over our lives. In ancient Egypt, for example, people built cemeteries for them—Egyptians mummified their kitties and made statues for them that are exhibited in museum collections across the world to this day.

Of course, our life has changed dramatically during the last couple of millennia, but our love for cats has remained the same. Continue scrolling to check out this original Bored Panda list to learn why. When you go through the funny cat pictures we collected, fire up our similar publications dedicated to them here, here, and here.

#1

My Crush Just Told Me Over Text That It Was "Unmanly" For Men To Have A Cat. I Sent Her This

My Crush Just Told Me Over Text That It Was "Unmanly" For Men To Have A Cat. I Sent Her This

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It is believed that cats started hanging around farming communities in the Fertile Crescent about 8,000 years ago, where they formed a mutually beneficial relationship with humans as their rodent patrol.

"Since domestic cats are remarkably similar to their wildcat ancestors, they retained a side to them that is fierce and elusive," Lucy Hoile, a Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB) who specializes in these animals told Bored Panda.

"However, they are surprisingly adaptable, living comfortable lifestyles in the most urban of areas and forming strong, affectionate relationships with the people they live with. These two features of the pet cat make them an enigma that is difficult to find with any other pet species."

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    #2

    This Could’ve Been An Email

    This Could’ve Been An Email

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    #3

    Larry Good Cat

    Larry Good Cat

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    Tee Witt
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    His first time out and he thought of you, he is saying a big thankyou for his new home

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    Some dog lovers might argue that cats are selfish and arrogant, but Hoile reassured us that felines are still living with us because they know we can provide them with significant benefits, and not just food and shelter.

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    "Cats will often form strong emotional attachments to their owners, identifying them as part of their social group through facial and body marking. Cat owners are now more than just bringers of tasty food and a warm bed!"

    #4

    Caught This Absolute Angel Begging For Treats

    Caught This Absolute Angel Begging For Treats

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    And just because the average kitty sleeps around 16 hours a day, that doesn't mean they're lazy. They simply need to stay sharp!

    "Being opportunistic hunters, they are built for short bursts of activity when prey presents itself," Lucy Hoile explained. "Periods of rest in-between are essential to conserve energy at other times of the day."

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    In fact, some of these furry critters (just like dogs) have no trouble earning their living through honest work. Just take a look at these bodega cats who keep convenience stores and corner shops pest-free!

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    #11

    The Committee Against Vacuum Cleaners

    The Committee Against Vacuum Cleaners

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    #14

    I Found This Little Boy In The Countryside, Alone. Initially He Was Scared, Now He Seems To Be Pretty Comfortable

    I Found This Little Boy In The Countryside, Alone. Initially He Was Scared, Now He Seems To Be Pretty Comfortable

    Aritmico Report

    #18

    She Didn't Like Her New Ears

    She Didn't Like Her New Ears

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    #20

    A Motion Sensor Sign

    A Motion Sensor Sign

    hamstertalk Report

    #21

    Important Q

    Important Q

    sam_antics Report

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    POST
    Dorothy Parker
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The one on the right is Alfred Hitchcock. The left could be Donald Trump. Which would drive him over the edge. If you play with the fur you could turn Don into Cary Grant.

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    #24

    The Cat Burglar Has Struck Again!

    The Cat Burglar Has Struck Again!

    Brunson21 Report

    #25

    Getting Head Is Best

    Getting Head Is Best

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    #27

    The Way My Cat Sleeps

    The Way My Cat Sleeps

    Interkrmn Report

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    #28

    Behold The Glorious Whiskers Of Shoulder Cat

    Behold The Glorious Whiskers Of Shoulder Cat

    reddit.com Report

    #29

    If You Can't Hide A Crime Scene, Just Pretend You Are A Victim

    If You Can't Hide A Crime Scene, Just Pretend You Are A Victim

    7h3_D4RKN355 Report

    #30

    He Thinks He's Being Sneaky

    He Thinks He's Being Sneaky

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    #31

    These Rolls Are Homemade

    These Rolls Are Homemade

    reddit.com Report

    #32

    How Could You Be Mad At Her With Eyes Like Those

    How Could You Be Mad At Her With Eyes Like Those

    reddit.com Report

    #33

    "I Do Not See The Humor In This"

    "I Do Not See The Humor In This"

    IStanCatwoman Report

    #34

    Today I Was Extremely Sad And I Thought "I Can't Wait To Go Home And See My Cat, He Will Make Me Happy". Ok Well I Found Out He Was More Depressed Than Me

    Today I Was Extremely Sad And I Thought "I Can't Wait To Go Home And See My Cat, He Will Make Me Happy". Ok Well I Found Out He Was More Depressed Than Me

    gianlucadelonge Report

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    POST
    Vicky Z
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thinking all of your life choices....or thinking that your hooman will come at make you happy again!

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    #36

    I’m Remodeling My Basement And All The Ceiling Tiles Were Just Removed. I Found My Cat Like This

    I’m Remodeling My Basement And All The Ceiling Tiles Were Just Removed. I Found My Cat Like This

    proffie Report

    #37

    If You Bite Me In The Face, You Get The Bowl!

    If You Bite Me In The Face, You Get The Bowl!

    Saul_g0od Report

    #38

    The New Spiderman Movie Got Me Confused

    The New Spiderman Movie Got Me Confused

    reddit.com Report

    #40

    Wait...

    Wait...

    reddit.com Report

    #41

    Being Sexy For Ya

    Being Sexy For Ya

    reddit.com Report

    #42

    Delightful Cat Photos To Brighten Your Day

    Delightful Cat Photos To Brighten Your Day

    MizWeirdo Report

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    #44

    When Your Cats Creates Gradient While They Eat

    When Your Cats Creates Gradient While They Eat

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    #50

    I. I Don’t Even Know

    I. I Don’t Even Know

    niceabear Report

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    #53

    Let Me In. Let Me In!

    Let Me In. Let Me In!

    TurdsforNipples Report

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    POST
    Samantha PandaNotBored
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bring your cat in at night simple. Step 1. . Call cats name to come in . Especially in cold weather ✋🙄

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    #54

    My Cat

    My Cat

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    Otter
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You bought the fake grass just to troll the cat, didn't you, you evil bastard!

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    #56

    We Got Bored And Our Cat Is A Heavy Sleeper, So We Helped Him Live Up To His Nickname

    We Got Bored And Our Cat Is A Heavy Sleeper, So We Helped Him Live Up To His Nickname

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    #57

    It Takes 2 To Tango

    It Takes 2 To Tango

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    MAL
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is possibly my favorite cat picture of all time.

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    #60

    Discovered Strange Marks On My Butter. My Suspect Is Not A Good Liar

    Discovered Strange Marks On My Butter. My Suspect Is Not A Good Liar

    15rlansing Report

    #61

    Delightful Cat Photos To Brighten Your Day

    Delightful Cat Photos To Brighten Your Day

    MizWeirdo Report

    #63

    Our Cat Isn't Happy About Our Door-Opening Response Time...

    Our Cat Isn't Happy About Our Door-Opening Response Time...

    reddit.com Report

    #65

    Sitting On Its Owner's Shoulders And Head During A Bus Journey In Lithuania

    Sitting On Its Owner's Shoulders And Head During A Bus Journey In Lithuania

    humansoftrulai Report

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    #67

    Just Opened Up A Fresh Jar Of Cat

    Just Opened Up A Fresh Jar Of Cat

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    #69

    My Cat Stanley Decided To Sit On My New Cat Harriet. I Have Only Had Her For Two Weeks And They Already Entertain Me Daily

    My Cat Stanley Decided To Sit On My New Cat Harriet. I Have Only Had Her For Two Weeks And They Already Entertain Me Daily

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    #70

    Our Wedding Plans Changed And We Had A Small Covid Wedding At Home

    Our Wedding Plans Changed And We Had A Small Covid Wedding At Home

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    #71

    "Sometimes It's Only Madness That Makes Us What We Are"

    "Sometimes It's Only Madness That Makes Us What We Are"

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    #73

    Mittens Is Refusing To Make Eye Contact With His Vet, Or The Room, Or Anything But My Armpit

    Mittens Is Refusing To Make Eye Contact With His Vet, Or The Room, Or Anything But My Armpit

    reddit.com Report

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    POST
    Samantha PandaNotBored
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That’s how I feel about life too, so don’t worry . It comes to us all eventually 🤷🏼‍♀️😂

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    #79

    That Face When You Start A New Job And Can’t Remember Anyone’s Name

    That Face When You Start A New Job And Can’t Remember Anyone’s Name

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    #80

    Cat Refuses To Play With Anything... Until I Get A Bit Of String Out

    Cat Refuses To Play With Anything... Until I Get A Bit Of String Out

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    #81

    "Hooman, You Go First"

    "Hooman, You Go First"

    YUSUKE_SQEX Report

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    Debbie
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They are part of the conspiracy. Waiting for you to start movin downstairs, and the moment you want to put your foot down they start walking right under it, causing you to want to move your foot to another place but alas, there's a cat there too, and by then you're on your way down reaaaallly fast...

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    #82

    We Keep One Cube Empty For Her

    We Keep One Cube Empty For Her

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    #85

    My Mom Received A Kitten From My Cats Litter. She Updates Me On His Shenanigans Often

    My Mom Received A Kitten From My Cats Litter. She Updates Me On His Shenanigans Often

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    #86

    Who's Your Worm Guy?

    Who's Your Worm Guy?

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    #89

    He Falls Asleep Like This All The Time

    He Falls Asleep Like This All The Time

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    #90

    Cat Flower

    Cat Flower

    ShouldHaveCat Report

    #91

    It Can Be Seen That He Is Very Tiring

    It Can Be Seen That He Is Very Tiring

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    #94

    You Seeing This

    You Seeing This

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    Nikole
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love it! I frequently hold one of my cats up to the bathroom mirror. I'm not weird.

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    #97

    Tell Me Why This Is What I See When I Walk Into The Bathroom? Lol

    Tell Me Why This Is What I See When I Walk Into The Bathroom? Lol

    lavenderlemonaid Report

    #98

    Just My Neighbors Cat Taking Her Afternoon Nap

    Just My Neighbors Cat Taking Her Afternoon Nap

    ChewedFlipFlop Report