Historical records suggest that Christopher Columbus likely had cats aboard his ships when he made his historic voyage to the New World on October 12 , 1492. Cats were commonly kept on ships to control rodents, which made them an integral part of exploration and trade expeditions. Pic: Paul, Kitten Kaboodle When we think about Christopher Columbus’s 1492 voyage to the New World, images of majestic ships, brave sailors, and endless ocean stretches come to mind. But, in addition to his human crew, Columbus had some furry companions aboard—the ever-resourceful and essential ship cats. These feline sailors played a surprisingly important role in maritime life, helping to keep the ship’s supplies safe and serving as beloved companions to the crew. Origins and History of Ship Cats Cats have been valued on ships for centuries, even before Columbus’s time. Sailors across cultures recognized cats' natural hunting abilities and keen instincts, which made them ideal for controlling rodent...