Throughout history the cat has been an indomitable influence on societies and cultures, first as goddess, then as demon, and now as hero and social media empress. Man's view of the cat has come full circle. As both mascot and muse to great adventurers, writers, artists and statesmen, the cat has offered comfort and inspiration. Never obsequious or ordinary, always elegant and inscrutable, the cat has played a fundamental role in civilization through the centuries, and this is its story. -Find out why women and cats have been bound together throughout history. -Ever wondered why the black cat is considered bad luck; why cats were considered good luck on ships and planes? -The answers to these questions and many more are here in this easy to read and fully referenced cat history with over 150 black and white illustrations.