Domestic Cat Bones

In 17th century England, cats were rampant in London and other cities where they helped to control rat populations, and their presence on ships was seen as a necessity. Most likely, this is how cats came to Jamestown, as the vermin they hunted and helped to control could spread disease and eat supplies.

During the Starving Time, out of desperation due to a lack of resources, cats were eaten by the colonists. This is evidenced by their presence in the Blacksmith Shop/Bakery and Pit 1, two features that date to the earliest years of the fort. The colonists also wrote about this change in diet. George Percy, President of the Council during the Starving Time, states, “Then, having fed upon horses and other beasts as long as they had lasted, we were glad to make shift with vermin, as dogs, cats, rats and mice.” In a different letter from 1610, the Spanish ambassador Don Alonso de Velasco told the King of Spain that the colonists were eating, “dogs, cat skins and other vile things,” before implying that this would be a good time for the Spanish to attack the heavily weakened fort.

Associations between cats and humans have changed drastically over time. Leading up to the 1600s, cats still had a strong association with witchcraft, and they were used as scapegoats in witchcraft trials up until the late 16th century. While cats were seen as pest control, and to a further extent vermin in the 17th century, their identity shifted during the Age of Enlightenment in the 18th century. Similar to squirrels, the upper class kept cats as pets and status symbols, even featuring them in portraits, poetry, and songs. Today, cats are the second most popular pet in the United States, with first place belonging to dogs.