Nowadays, it’s not uncommon to find a cute pup or frisky feline with their own TikTok or Instagram account. However, pets weren’t always furry influencers with full wardrobes, gourmet treats, and pampered paws. Once upon a time, dogs and cats were everything from status symbols to hunting companions to spirit guides.
As the way humans view dogs and cats has changed through the years, so has pet parenting. Today, some people have pets to assist with certain jobs, like military dogs or emotional support animals. Others simply enjoy having a companion by their side. How you view your pets likely relies heavily on your lifestyle, but in general, the evolution of pet parenting has changed.
It’s time to go back in time and get a glimpse of how our relationship with pets has changed over the years.
Pets During Ancient Times
Animals played many roles during ancient times, from practical purposes like hunting and protection to worship. For example, in ancient Egypt, dogs and cats were often buried alongside humans, indicating an emotional bond. Cats were especially significant.
People in Egypt viewed cats as sacred, associating felines with the goddess Bastet, who was often shown with the head of a cat or lioness. If anyone killed a cat, even if it was an accident, they could be punished with death. Cats were often mummified and buried in elaborate tombs out of reverence and people’s strong belief in their spiritual importance.
In Greece and Rome, dogs were highly valued for protection and hunting. Some wealthy Romans had small lap dogs that served as a symbol of their important status. In China, certain breeds, like the Pekingese, were deemed so important that only nobility could own them.
Overall, pets were seen as useful, important, and in some cases, even godlike. Even if people didn’t pamper their pets to the extremes people do today, there were certainly bonds and companionship between pets and humans.
Pets During the Middle Ages
Although some people kept small dogs as status symbols or for companionship (mostly in noble or wealthy households), dogs and cats served a more utilitarian purpose in medieval times. Dogs in the Middle Ages were used for guarding and herding livestock, hunting, and protecting property. Cats were helpful for pest control and catching rodents.
However, in many cases, cats were also associated with witchcraft and superstition. This fear of cats developed mostly in later centuries, especially in the case of the most classic example, a black cat. Many people viewed cats as evil during the Middle Ages. If anyone kept a cat, it was most likely because they tolerated them because of their ability to get rid of vermin, not because of companionship.
Dogs were viewed positively, seen as loyal and faithful. However, whether a dog or a cat, even if people loved their pets, in many working-class homes, a companion animal was expected to earn their keep.
It’s also worth noting that the earliest known use of the word “pet” is in the 16th century, but it was typically used to refer to a spoiled child. People didn’t start applying the term to companion animals until the 18th century.
The Renaissance, Age of Enlightenment, and Pets
During the Renaissance, there was a rise in awareness of concepts like art, nature, humanity, and compassion. These evolving viewpoints affected how many people viewed animals, and dogs and cats (especially dogs) became a more significant part of the home.
Royals and nobles continued to have dogs, but not just for a status symbol. They found pleasure in their companions and enjoyed their company. Families often pampered their pups and included them in family portraits. There was also an increase in the portrayal of pets in various pieces of art.
Famous philosopher John Locke suggested that parents could help teach their children about compassion by caring for animals. You could say that it was during this time that the earliest concepts of pet-parenting took root. Dogs and cats still had utilitarian purposes; however, they were also recognized as faithful companions.
Pets During the 19th Century Victorian Era
During the Victorian era, having pets in the home became more common, and having pets for companionship was no longer just something for the wealthy and noble. Middle-class families had dogs and cats, and this time, pets weren’t always expected to perform some type of service to remain in the home.
It was also during this time that the first animal abuse laws were formed. The very first was in Great Britain in 1822, paving the way for future laws and societies dedicated to safeguarding the rights and lives of pets.
Now that more and more people had pets, there was a rise in pet products and supplies. Pet parents eagerly purchased collars and leashes for their furry family members, bones, food and water dishes, and other supplies. In the late 1800s, the concept of pet cemeteries was born as families developed stronger and stronger emotional bonds with their loyal companions.
The 20th Century and Beyond: Pets Are One of the Family
More and more pets made their way from the barn and the backyard into the home and onto the sofa. During the 20th century, pets also became the center of many TV shows and movies, think classics like Lassie, Garfield, Rin Tin Tin, Figaro, and Pluto.
People started going above and beyond with pet parenting, pampering their pets (their fur babies). Today, many people have their furry friends sharing their bed with them. Veterinary care is a booming business, and things like dog shows, breeding standards, and pet stores are common. There are gourmet pet food companies, doggy ice cream, and catnip cigars.
Of course, there are still jobs for dogs and cats in certain areas and situations. However, in most cases, humans are far more likely to adopt a pet to have as a companion than to herd sheep or catch mice.
You’re more likely to see a dog wearing a sweater these days, or perhaps, you scroll through funny cat videos for hours. There are doggy daycares, pet-friendly hotels and restaurants, and cat cafes around the world.
People spend a lot of money on pets, with many of them viewing their pets as little furry humans. Younger generations are even putting off having children, or deciding against it altogether, and choosing to live life with their pets instead.
The Relationship Between Humans and Pets Is a Tail as Old as Time
Looking back, dogs and cats have always held a place in the world with humans, sometimes as helpers and sometimes as pampered pets. From worshipping cats in ancient Egypt to creating TikTok accounts for our dogs today, pet parenting has certainly evolved.
One of the biggest differences is that pets have certainly worked their way into our hearts over the years. Now, they’re one of the family, and many pet parents would do anything for their furry friends. It will be interesting to see how this evolution continues and where people and pets will be a few centuries from now.
Find out more about all things pet parenting by checking out the rest of the Neater Pets blog.