Dogs are typically referred to as “man’s best friends,” but cats are more like quirky roommates. Despite this, cats are among the most popular pets, with an estimated 600 million currently on this planet. But how did these felines become such an important part of many people’s lives? Although aloof, cats can be very lovable [&#8230;]

<div>
<figure id="attachment_29377" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-29377" style="width: 177px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/leonco/files/2026/10/86e77526-7070-43c1-a9b0-06f69434b7a8-scaled.jpg"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="wp-image-29377 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="close up picture of a black and white cat wearing a bow tie" width="177" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/leonco/files/2026/10/86e77526-7070-43c1-a9b0-06f69434b7a8-177x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-29377" class="wp-caption-text">&#8220;Anthony.&#8221; Image taken by Suzanne Holloway</figcaption></figure>
<p>Dogs are typically referred to as “man’s best friends,” but cats are more like quirky roommates. Despite this, cats are among the most popular pets, with an estimated 600 million currently on this planet. But how did these felines become such an important part of many people’s lives?</p>
<p>Although aloof, cats can be very lovable and gentle to their caretakers. That is why Aug. 8, International Cat Day, is a dedicated celebration to honor and learn about cats and promote their well-being; other countries also have a separate National Cat Day to spread awareness about cat adoptions. In the United States, National Cat Day is Oct. 20.</p>
</div>
<h2>Domestication of Cats</h2>
<div>While the domestication process of cats is still somewhat mysterious, it is widely believed that cats domesticated themselves. Early human settlements were like buffets providing a steady supply of rodents and food scraps, which attracted wildcats. DNA analysis of global archaeological remains suggests that two wildcat populations, from the Eastern Mediterranean and ancient Egypt, significantly contributed to the gene pool and world domination of cats during two different time periods.</div>
<div></div>
<div>The Eastern Mediterranean wildcat population contributed to the gene pool during the Neolithic period. Alongside their genetic contribution, the Egyptian wildcat population played a crucial role in accelerating domestication and spreading cats throughout the Old World during the Classical period. Furthermore, researchers have discovered the independent domestication of leopards in China; however, this process has been deemed short-lived because modern domesticated cats are not related to leopards.</div>
<h2>Cats, Culture, and History</h2>
<div>In ancient Egypt, cats were revered not only as pets and hunters, but also as divine beings. They were associated with <a href="https://arce.org/resource/ra-creator-god-ancient-egypt/">Ra</a>, the sun god, and his daughter <a href="https://arce.org/resource/goddess-bastet-and-cult-feline-deities-nile-delta/">Bastet</a>, the goddess of fertility, home, joy, and the protection of children. Initially depicted as a lioness-headed woman, Bastet’s imagery shifted to that of a cat-headed woman, possibly reflecting the domestication of cats.</div>
<div></div>
<div>However, ancient Egyptians were not the only culture that had a religious affiliation with cats. Buddhist monks, in Siam or modern-day Thailand, welcomed and protected cats living in their temples. In Norse mythology, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Freyja">Freyja</a>, the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, rode a cat-drawn chariot.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Unlike their canine counterparts, cats have remained relatively unchanged throughout the process of domestication, including their significant cultural influence. They provide endless entertainment on and off-screen. Fictional and nonfictional cats have been featured in books, movies, and on television with stars like Garfield, Fat Louie (The Princess Diaries), Salem Saberhagen (Sabrina the Teenage Witch), and the Cheshire Cat (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland). Online, several cats have achieved the status of “meme” with icons like Grumpy Cat, Lil Bub, and Smudge. Ancient civilizations and modern-day cat lovers alike appreciate the multifaceted qualities of cats, making them fascinating individuals and great companions.</div>
<h2>Emotional Support Animals</h2>
<div>
<figure id="attachment_29379" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-29379" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/leonco/files/2026/10/20250227_072850-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-29379 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="a black and white cat laying on a bed with a carrot toy" width="300" height="160" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/leonco/files/2026/10/20250227_072850-300x160.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-29379" class="wp-caption-text">&#8220;The Cat and The Carrot.&#8221; Image taken by Suzanne Holloway</figcaption></figure>
<p>However, for renters, having a pet, regardless of whether it is a cat, dog, or some sort of other animal, can be restricted or prohibited by property managers/landlords. Those with disabilities, including mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can have an <a href="https://adata.org/guide/service-animals-and-emotional-support-animals/">emotional support animal</a> (ESA). An ESA provides therapeutic emotional support through its presence or performs other tasks without the need for training, differing from a service animal. Under <a href="https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799/0760/0760.html">Chapter 760 of the Florida Statutes</a> and the <a href="https://www.justice.gov/crt/fair-housing-act-1">federal</a> and <a href="https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799/0760/Sections/0760.23.html">Florida Fair Housing Act</a>, housing providers cannot discriminate against persons with a disability or those needing an emotional support animal. Federal and state laws ensure that those with mental and physical disabilities can keep their beloved animals wherever they call home.</p>
</div>
<h2>Protecting Your Feline Friend and the Environment</h2>
<div>It is important to keep your cat indoors for their overall safety and well-being. While cats are natural explorers and hunters, an indoor environment protects them from numerous hazards such as traffic accidents, predators, infectious diseases, getting lost or injured, and extreme weather. By keeping your cat indoors, you also help preserve local wildlife, as cats can significantly impact bird and small mammal populations.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Providing a stimulating indoor environment with plenty of toys, scratching posts, and interactive activities ensures your cat remains happy, healthy, and entertained. From their days roaming in the wild in ancient history to acting wild in our homes today, cats, and pets in general, have been great sources of comfort and companionship. So, give your cats a few extra treats – they deserve it.</div>
<hr />
<p>This article was originally posted in the <a href="https://www.tallahassee.com/story/life/home-garden/2024/08/08/cat-day-celebrates-journey-from-wild-hunter-to-support-companion/74686553007/">Tallahassee Democrat</a>. Learn something new or find this blog interesting? Give it a heart to let us know!</p>


“Anthony.” Image taken by Suzanne Holloway
Dogs are typically referred to as “man’s best friends,” but cats are more like quirky roommates. Despite this, cats are among the most popular pets, with an estimated 600 million currently on this planet. But how did these felines become such an important part of many people’s lives?
Although aloof, cats can be very lovable and gentle to their caretakers. That is why Aug. 8, International Cat Day, is a dedicated celebration to honor and learn about cats and promote their well-being; other countries also have a separate National Cat Day to spread awareness about cat adoptions. In the United States, National Cat Day is Oct. 20.
Domestication of Cats
While the domestication process of cats is still somewhat mysterious, it is widely believed that cats domesticated themselves. Early human settlements were like buffets providing a steady supply of rodents and food scraps, which attracted wildcats. DNA analysis of global archaeological remains suggests that two wildcat populations, from the Eastern Mediterranean and ancient Egypt, significantly contributed to the gene pool and world domination of cats during two different time periods.

The Eastern Mediterranean wildcat population contributed to the gene pool during the Neolithic period. Alongside their genetic contribution, the Egyptian wildcat population played a crucial role in accelerating domestication and spreading cats throughout the Old World during the Classical period. Furthermore, researchers have discovered the independent domestication of leopards in China; however, this process has been deemed short-lived because modern domesticated cats are not related to leopards.
Cats, Culture, and History
In ancient Egypt, cats were revered not only as pets and hunters, but also as divine beings. They were associated with Ra, the sun god, and his daughter Bastet, the goddess of fertility, home, joy, and the protection of children. Initially depicted as a lioness-headed woman, Bastet’s imagery shifted to that of a cat-headed woman, possibly reflecting the domestication of cats.

However, ancient Egyptians were not the only culture that had a religious affiliation with cats. Buddhist monks, in Siam or modern-day Thailand, welcomed and protected cats living in their temples. In Norse mythology, Freyja, the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, rode a cat-drawn chariot.

Unlike their canine counterparts, cats have remained relatively unchanged throughout the process of domestication, including their significant cultural influence. They provide endless entertainment on and off-screen. Fictional and nonfictional cats have been featured in books, movies, and on television with stars like Garfield, Fat Louie (The Princess Diaries), Salem Saberhagen (Sabrina the Teenage Witch), and the Cheshire Cat (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland). Online, several cats have achieved the status of “meme” with icons like Grumpy Cat, Lil Bub, and Smudge. Ancient civilizations and modern-day cat lovers alike appreciate the multifaceted qualities of cats, making them fascinating individuals and great companions.
Emotional Support Animals
“The Cat and The Carrot.” Image taken by Suzanne Holloway
However, for renters, having a pet, regardless of whether it is a cat, dog, or some sort of other animal, can be restricted or prohibited by property managers/landlords. Those with disabilities, including mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can have an emotional support animal (ESA). An ESA provides therapeutic emotional support through its presence or performs other tasks without the need for training, differing from a service animal. Under Chapter 760 of the Florida Statutes and the federal and Florida Fair Housing Act, housing providers cannot discriminate against persons with a disability or those needing an emotional support animal. Federal and state laws ensure that those with mental and physical disabilities can keep their beloved animals wherever they call home.
Protecting Your Feline Friend and the Environment
It is important to keep your cat indoors for their overall safety and well-being. While cats are natural explorers and hunters, an indoor environment protects them from numerous hazards such as traffic accidents, predators, infectious diseases, getting lost or injured, and extreme weather. By keeping your cat indoors, you also help preserve local wildlife, as cats can significantly impact bird and small mammal populations.

Providing a stimulating indoor environment with plenty of toys, scratching posts, and interactive activities ensures your cat remains happy, healthy, and entertained. From their days roaming in the wild in ancient history to acting wild in our homes today, cats, and pets in general, have been great sources of comfort and companionship. So, give your cats a few extra treats – they deserve it.
This article was originally posted in the Tallahassee Democrat. Learn something new or find this blog interesting? Give it a heart to let us know!

Dogs are typically referred to as “man’s best friends,” but cats are more like quirky roommates. Despite this, cats are among the most popular pets, with an estimated 600 million currently on this planet. But how did these felines become such an important part of many people’s lives? Although aloof, cats can be very lovable […]

Cat Chronicles: From Neolithic Companions to National Icons

Home ownership means different things to different individuals. &#8220;We feel that owning our own house is a sign of wealth.&#8221; &#8220;We would purchase a house so our kids would be in the right school zone.&#8221; &#8220;It was property we could sell once the children had moved out. We could down size and sell the house [&#8230;]

<p><a href="http://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/fcs/files/2016/04/renting-or-owning.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-2469"><img decoding="async" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-2469 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="renting or owning" width="300" height="187" data-src="http://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/fcs/files/2016/04/renting-or-owning-300x187.jpg"></a>Home ownership means different things to different individuals.</p>
<ul>
<li>&#8220;We feel that owning our own house is a sign of wealth.&#8221;</li>
<li>&#8220;We would purchase a house so our kids would be in the right school zone.&#8221;</li>
<li>&#8220;It was property we could sell once the children had moved out. We could down size and sell the house and use the funds toward retirement.&#8221;</li>
</ul>
<p>You might purchase a home for one or all of the reasons listed above. Some people want the comfort but not the issues of lawn maintenance and repairs. Many of us have very busy schedules and do not want the hassle of maintenance.</p>
<p>In some cities you have the rising cost of leasing an apartment. It can be cheaper to purchase a house than rent an apartment. Always factor in utilities, lawn care, repairs, insurance and taxes. If you are buying your house, the insurance and taxes can be included with the mortgage.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that the interest you paid on your mortgage and taxes can be claimed on your income taxes. Your rent payment cannot be claimed on your income taxes. Equity also builds up in your home. Even if you are renting you should have renter’s insurance.</p>
<p>When renting, you have the freedom of movement once your lease has expired. If you own your house, you can rent it or sell it, but you would need to move.</p>
<p>Owning your home gives you freedom to decorate your home as you please. If you do not abide by the restrictions of your apartment lease, you could forfeit your deposit.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Whether you decide to own or rent is your personal choice. Make the right decision for you.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</p>
<div class='clearfix' id='about_author'> <img width="80" height="80" align="left" class="avatar lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="PG" data-src="http://www.gravatar.com/avatar.php?gravatar_id=a492a7d31f78a26bd69f8ceb61c1d104&amp;default=&amp;size=80&amp;r=PG"> </p>
<div class='author_text'>
<h4>Author: <span>sbouie &#8211; <a href="mailto:sbouie@ufl.edu">sbouie@ufl.edu</a></span></h4>
<p> <span>Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent in Jefferson County. I am a Florida A &amp; M University graduate. My teaching experience includes Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Texas and South Korea.</span>  </div>
<div class='clear'></div>
<p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/fcs/2016/03/30/renting-or-owning/">Living Well in the Panhandle</a></p>


Home ownership means different things to different individuals.
“We feel that owning our own house is a sign of wealth.”
“We would purchase a house so our kids would be in the right school zone.”
“It was property we could sell once the children had moved out. We could down size and sell the house and use the funds toward retirement.”
You might purchase a home for one or all of the reasons listed above. Some people want the comfort but not the issues of lawn maintenance and repairs. Many of us have very busy schedules and do not want the hassle of maintenance.
In some cities you have the rising cost of leasing an apartment. It can be cheaper to purchase a house than rent an apartment. Always factor in utilities, lawn care, repairs, insurance and taxes. If you are buying your house, the insurance and taxes can be included with the mortgage.
Keep in mind that the interest you paid on your mortgage and taxes can be claimed on your income taxes. Your rent payment cannot be claimed on your income taxes. Equity also builds up in your home. Even if you are renting you should have renter’s insurance.
When renting, you have the freedom of movement once your lease has expired. If you own your house, you can rent it or sell it, but you would need to move.
Owning your home gives you freedom to decorate your home as you please. If you do not abide by the restrictions of your apartment lease, you could forfeit your deposit.
 
Whether you decide to own or rent is your personal choice. Make the right decision for you.
 
 
  
Author: sbouie – sbouie@ufl.edu
 Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent in Jefferson County. I am a Florida A & M University graduate. My teaching experience includes Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Texas and South Korea.  

Living Well in the Panhandle

Home ownership means different things to different individuals. “We feel that owning our own house is a sign of wealth.” “We would purchase a house so our kids would be in the right school zone.” “It was property we could sell once the children had moved out. We could down size and sell the house […]

Renting Or Owning

&#160; The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management will conclude taking public comment this Friday for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) they are developing in preparation for possible lease sale in the Gulf of Mexico. They are interested in learning about potential economic impacts as well. To comment, visit this website: Or send email to boemegomeis@BOEM.gov

<p><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignleft  wp-image-228" title="225 and 226 oil and gas lease sales" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/bayco/files/2012/05/225and226-oil-and-gas-lease-sales.jpg" alt="" width="262" height="379" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/03/20/2012-6724/notice-of-public-scoping-meetings-on-an-environmental-impact-statement-for-proposed-outer#p-15">Bureau of Ocean Energy Management</a> will conclude taking public comment this Friday for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) they are developing in preparation for possible <a href="http://www.boem.gov/uploadedFiles/BOEM/Oil_and_Gas_Energy_Program/Leasing/Regional_Leasing/Gulf_of_Mexico_Region/mg11092_call_225_226.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lease sale</a> in the Gulf of Mexico. They are interested in learning about potential economic impacts as well. To comment, visit this <a href="http://www.regulations.gov/#!submitComment;D=BOEM_FRDOC_0001-0128">website</a>: Or send email to boemegomeis@BOEM.gov</p>


The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management will conclude taking public comment this Friday for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) they are developing in preparation for possible lease sale in the Gulf of Mexico. They are interested in learning about potential economic impacts as well. To comment, visit this website: Or send email to boemegomeis@BOEM.gov

Final Day to Provide Comment for new Gulf Oil and Gas Leases is May 4th

Residential Housing

Vivienda y Entorno Doméstico

Home Building, Renovation, Maintenance, and Repair

Housing Design and Remodeling

513-thumbnail

Housing

Opciones de vivienda

Agreements

Contratos de alquiler

Renting

Renta o alquiler

Leases

Caution - manage to prevent escape. May be recommended by IFAS. Will be reassessed in two years.

Predicted to be invasive and not recommended by IFAS. Will be reassessed every 10 years. In particular cases, this species may be considered for use under specific management practices that have been approved by the IFAS Invasive Plant Working Group.

Invasive and not recommended by IFAS. Will be reassessed every 10 years. Specified and limited uses may be considered by the IFAS Invasive Plants Working Group.

Invasive and not recommended by IFAS. Will be reassessed every 10 years. Specified and limited uses may be considered by the IFAS Invasive Plants Working Group

Low Risk for invasion, therefore Not considered a problem species at this time. May be recommended by IFAS. Reassessed every 10 years.

This species was evaluated with the Predictive Tool and received an intermediate score (1-6).  The Secondary Screening was implemented, but not enough information was available to reach a conclusion.

Not considered a problem species at this time. May be recommended by IFAS. Reassessed every 10 years.

Prohibited from use in Florida according to the Federal Noxious Weed List, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) 5B-64.011 Prohibited Aquatic Plants, or FDACS 5B-57.007 Noxious Weed List.