AN ISLAND OF CATS
Cyprus, also known as the ‘island of cats’ in some circles, is an ideal breeding ground for the feline species. The island’s mild climate has meant that since their introduction centuries ago, the Cyprus cat population has thrived and current estimates today, put the current cat population at around 1.5 million. This means that the cats far outnumber human inhabitants across the island.
THE EASTERN WILDCAT
Ancient writings indicate that Cyprus has had a long association with cats. This goes back many thousands of years. Archaeological data recovered from the Neolithic site of SHILLOUROKAMBOS supports these writings. Excavations have revealed a grave containing decorative artefacts and the remains of an eastern wildcat buried alongside a human. This important find, which dates back to 7,500 BC, on an island separated from the mainland before human habitation, indicates that humans introduced these cats to the island. Further examination revealed a small-dedicated grave for the wildcat making it the earliest known cat grave in the world.
SAINT HELENE OF CONSTANTINOPLE
As several experts continue to explore the subject, most believe that the wildcat graves are the ancestors of Cyprus’s modern-day feline incarnations. The debate, however, persists, as some disagree and it remains an open question. A certainty is that CYPRUS CATS today are definitely linked to the actions of SAINT HELENE OF CONSTANTINOPLE. The earliest known written record of cats in Cyprus refers to the story of how SAINT HELENE OF CONSTANTINOPLE shipped hundreds of them to the island in the year 328.
THE MONASTERY OF SAINT NICHOLAS OF THE CATS
The early part of the fourth century saw the founding of the Saint Nicholas Monastery. Located in the Akrotiri Peninsula of Limassol, the monastery fared well, but then suffered a serious drought, lasting 37 years.
IDEAL FOR VENOMOUS SNAKES
The drought meant that venomous snakes had infested the area and the besieged monastery issued a call for immediate aid. SAINT HELENE OF CONSTANTINOPLE, who was a patron of the monastery, promptly answered. She sent hundreds of cats by boat to the monastery, and once released into the wild, they went to work hunting the snake population.
TWO BELLS
It is said that the monastery had two bells, one was used to call the cats into the monastery, whilst the other sent them into the fields to hunt the snakes. Once the snakes were eradicated, the monastery became known as THE MONASTERY OF SAINT NICHOLAS OF THE CATS. Hundreds of cats have been living within its grounds ever since. It is said that if they ever left, then the snakes would soon return.
A CAT SANCTUARY
Today, THE MONASTERY OF SAINT NICHOLAS OF THE CATS considers its cats a beloved and integral part of its identity. It is a peaceful retreat for those seeking spiritual reflection and is also a popular place for animal enthusiasts and cat lovers to visit. The monastery maintains a thriving cat population and cats freely roam the monastery grounds. The monastery itself is set in beautiful gardens, which offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors often explore the monastery’s chapel, which has beautiful frescoes and religious icons. The monastery also has a small museum that houses a collection of religious artefacts and historical items.
AN ISLAND OF CAT LOVERS
Although the thriving cat population on the island is generally well looked after, some of its stray cats face several daily challenges. These challenges incude the onset of disease and injuries from territorial disputes. Traffic accidents also are a major factor that plays a role in their well-being. Several organisations and shelters acknowledge this by providing much-needed help when and where necessary. Generous locals, as well as several visitors on the island, often embrace these cats, contributing daily to their welfare by feeding and looking after them.
A COMMON HISTORY
Cats serve as a constant reminder of the positive historical role that they played on the island. Their existance also represents the common history that they share with their Cypriot counterparts. Overlall, the cats of Cyprus serve as a tribute to the long-standing bond that exists between most Cypriots and their feline friends.
THE OLDEST HUMAN-CAT BURIAL IN CYPRUS
10,000 YEARS OF HISTORY
The oldest known burial of a domesticated cat with a human is located in Cyprus, supporting the theory that domestic cats have been living alongside humans for at least 10,000 years. Dating back 9,500 years, this recent discovery predates the next oldest human-cat remains found at 5,000-year-old refuse pits in China. These discoveries have shaped several historical theories, and it is now widely accepted that the domestication of felines, along with their canine counterparts, has been a part of the human evolution cycle ever since.
THE FELIDAE FAMILY
It is believed that the Wildcat of the Felidae family, which includes lions and tigers, established a sustained relationship with humans after early agricultural settlements gained a foothold. It is known that these settlements attracted vermin that, in turn, attracted cats, and this is thought to have fostered the widespread nature of early cat-human relationships. The ancient Egyptians notably elevated cats to a position of great religious significance. They associated them with deities and sometimes mummified them alongside their owners. The goddess Bastet, depicted with a feline head, was worshipped as a protector and was associated with childbirth.
INTRODUCED TO CONTROL RODENTS
Despite having relatively small natural ranges, wildcat DNA has been found in several archaeological sites dating from around 4500 BC in Eastern Europe. Similar DNA evidence has also been extracted from archaeological sites in North Africa. This shows that cats from the Middle East quickly spread west along with early human migration. Early maritime trade also played a significant role, and cats are also thought to have been transported by various seafaring traders to these locations. Cats on larger sea vessels became commonplace, mainly used to control rodent populations on ships and then in settlements.
NATURAL SELECTION
Scientists note that many domestic cats today are feral. Unlike dogs, who underwent deliberate breeding for specific traits and behaviours, cats have evolved through natural selection and are capable of surviving with minimal human care. Feral cats also regularly interbreed with house cats, and this constant genetic exchange with wild populations has preserved many of their predatory instincts.
