Analysis of animal bones recovered from a 16th-century Spanish shipwreck off the coast of Florida reveals the presence of a house cat, likely brought over as a pet. This discovery pushes back the estimated arrival of domesticated cats in what is now the United States by nearly a century, suggesting Europeans introduced them much earlier than previously thought. The cat's remains indicate it was smaller than typical European wildcats, supporting the idea it was a domesticated companion animal rather than a working cat used for pest control on the ship.
A recent archaeological investigation into the wreckage of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha, a Spanish galleon that met its unfortunate demise in 1622 off the coast of the Florida Keys, has yielded a fascinating discovery with implications for the history of feline companionship in North America. Researchers, meticulously sifting through the remnants of this ill-fated vessel, unearthed the skeletal remains of a small cat, initially believed to be a native wildcat. However, upon closer examination and isotopic analysis of the cat's bones, a different narrative emerged. The isotopic signatures within the skeletal remains indicated a diet rich in European foods, specifically proteins derived from terrestrial sources commonly consumed by humans. This dietary profile starkly contrasted with the expected isotopic signature of a wildcat, whose diet would have primarily consisted of marine-based proteins.
This compelling isotopic evidence strongly suggests that the cat was not a local Floridian wildcat, but rather a domesticated feline that had crossed the Atlantic from Europe, likely as a cherished companion of one of the ship's passengers or crew. The Atocha, a treasure galleon laden with riches from the Spanish colonies in the New World, was bound for Spain when a hurricane tragically drove it onto a reef, resulting in its sinking and the loss of many lives. This unfortunate event also sealed the fate of the small cat, whose remains now serve as a poignant testament to its transatlantic journey.
The discovery of this feline skeleton pushes back the timeline of documented pet cats in what is now the United States. While previous evidence suggested that domesticated cats arrived with European colonists in the 17th century, primarily during the early English settlements along the eastern seaboard, this finding demonstrates their presence earlier in the century, specifically within the context of Spanish colonization. The cat aboard the Atocha likely served a valuable purpose beyond mere companionship, potentially controlling rodent populations aboard the ship, a crucial function in preserving stored provisions during long sea voyages. This finding adds a new dimension to our understanding of the early interactions between humans and animals in the context of transatlantic exploration and colonization, highlighting the enduring bond between humans and their feline companions even in the face of perilous journeys across vast oceans.
Summary of Comments ( 39 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43914807
Hacker News users discuss the implications of a cat skeleton found on a 16th-century Spanish shipwreck off the coast of Florida, considered the earliest evidence of domesticated cats in the US. Several commenters question whether the cat was truly a "pet" or simply a ship's cat used for rodent control, highlighting the difficulty of determining the animal's exact role centuries later. Some discuss the history of cats in the Americas, suggesting earlier, undocumented introductions are possible. Others express skepticism about the "earliest known" claim, pointing to the potential for earlier, undiscovered remains. A few humorous comments lament the lack of internet access for the feline passenger and imagine its shipboard adventures. Overall, the discussion centers on the ambiguity surrounding the cat's purpose and the challenges of definitively labeling it a "pet" based on limited archaeological evidence.
The Hacker News post discussing the Smithsonian Magazine article about early pet cats in the US has a moderate number of comments, sparking a conversation primarily focused on the history and nature of cats as pets.
Several commenters delve into the historical context. One points out the long-standing debate on whether cats were truly domesticated in ancient Egypt or even earlier, questioning the article's claim about the "earliest known pet cats." They highlight the difference between "ship's cats" (used for pest control) and true "pets," suggesting that the cats on the shipwreck might fall into the former category. This distinction between working animals and companion animals becomes a recurring theme. Another commenter supports this idea by sharing a historical anecdote about cats being brought onto ships to manage rodent populations, indicating this was a common practice long before the mentioned shipwreck.
Building on the "ship's cat" versus "pet" discussion, another commenter emphasizes the independent nature of cats, suggesting that even cats brought aboard for practical purposes might have developed affectionate bonds with the crew. They propose that the line between working animal and pet can be blurry, especially with animals like cats.
One commenter focuses on the genetic aspect, speculating on the lineage of these early American cats and wondering if they contributed to the modern American cat population. They express interest in whether any genetic studies have been conducted to trace the ancestry of these shipwrecked cats.
A couple of comments offer humorous takes. One jokingly questions the cats' immigration status, while another playfully suggests that the cats were the true "discoverers" of America, predating human colonization.
Finally, one commenter expresses skepticism about the certainty of identifying the cat remains as definitively belonging to "pets" rather than simply cats present on the ship. They advocate for caution in interpreting historical findings and emphasize the need for strong evidence before drawing definitive conclusions.
In essence, the comments section explores the nuances of cat domestication, the practical roles of cats on ships, and the difficulty of definitively labeling historical animals as "pets." The discussion highlights the complex relationship between humans and cats throughout history and the ongoing debate surrounding the true nature of their early interactions.