Historic Vids氏による、船猫とそのパスポートの紹介、その後は猫祭りっぽい

Historic Vids @historyinmemes

During the mid-20th century, cats played an important role on ships as skilled rodent catchers. Sailors realized that having cats aboard helped control the population of rats and mice, which were notorious for damaging supplies and spreading diseases. These ship cats became valued members of the crew and were even given passports to acknowledge their contribution and ensure their safety during international travels. The passports for ship cats were a unique and lighthearted tradition. While they didn't serve any legal or official purpose, they were created to recognize the cats' role and provide a form of identification. The passports typically consisted of a small booklet with pages that included the cat's name, description, and an area for their paw print. When it was time to depart or dock in a foreign port, the ship's captain or crew members would present the cat's passport to the authorities as a fun way to document the feline's presence onboard. The cat's paw print, obtained using ink or paint, was added to the designated page, providing a personalized and whimsical touch to the document. This practice not only amused the sailors but also showcased the camaraderie they shared with their feline companions. While these ship cat passports were not legally recognized, they symbolized the close bond between humans and their feline shipmates. They served as a reminder of the cats' essential role in maintaining a clean and rodent-free ship, thus safeguarding the crew's provisions and health during long sea voyages. However, as the mid-20th century progressed and maritime practices evolved, the reliance on ship cats diminished with the advent of more effective pest control methods. With the decline in the need for ship cats, the tradition of issuing passports gradually faded away. Nevertheless, the memory of these seafaring felines and their unique passports continues to fascinate and entertain those interested in maritime history and the unique relationships forged between humans and animals at sea.

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Emily Arnold @crisprtalk

@historyinmemes @g_knapp “Lucifer go to sea Be a hip cat, be a ship's cat Somewhere, anywhere That cat's something I can't explain” Lucifer Sam Syd Barrett/Pink Floyd pic.twitter.com/dNwdpcUQtY

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Time Capsule Tales @timecaptales

This is Unsinkable Sam, aka Oscar, a cat that served with the Kriegsmarine (navy of Nazi Germany) and the Royal Navy (navy of the UK) during World War 2.⁣⁣ He was reported to have belonged to a sailor onboard the German battleship Bismarck. On May 18, 1941, Bismarck was on its first mission when it was sunk by the Allies. Out of the 2,100 crew members, only 115 men and one cat survived. ⁣ The HMS Cossack scooped up the cat and gave him the name Oscar. For the next few months, Oscar lived on the ship until it was hit by torpedoes from a German U-boat, which killed 159 crew members but not Oscar, who was brought to the shores of Gibraltar by the remaining survivors.⁣ Oscar was soon transferred to the HMS Ark Royal, where he was given the name "Unsinkable Sam". Ironically, the Ark Royal was heavily involved in the sinking of the Bismarck. After a series of near misses, the ship had garnered a reputation for being a "lucky ship", however, its luck would soon run out. On November 14, 1941, the Ark Royal was torpedoed by a U-boat, causing it to roll over and sink. Sam was found clinging to a piece of wood and was described as "angry, but quite unharmed".⁣ ⁣ The sinking of the Ark Royal ended Sam's career at sea, and he lived out his remaining years in Belfast with a seaman until 1955.⁣ ⁣

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Digital Advice @DigAdvice

Without the presence of cats, a crew might find their ship overrun with rats and mice that would eat into the provisions, chew through ropes, and spread disease. Superstitious sailors believed that cats protected them by bringing good luck. Not only did crew members bring cats from their homeland on travels around the world, but they also picked them up in foreign ports. Besides catching mice and rats, sailors reportedly also harnessed cats' night vision to help detect the distant lights of shipwrecks at night.

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Time Capsule Tales @timecaptales

@historyinmemes A fine gentleman from 1880 pic.twitter.com/OGLWPthKSW

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Chris Suazo @HacksCoffee

@historyinmemes Cats can make over 100 vocal sounds, while dogs only make around 10. pic.twitter.com/soEjuSdWsv

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Time Capsule Tales @timecaptales

@historyinmemes Similarly, Tiger the cat, the mascot of the Coast Guard Manned-Destroyer Escort during WWII, made several dangerous trips across the Atlantic. Here he gets ready to nap in a helmet. pic.twitter.com/C1lH7ONV3x

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Lee Grocott 💙🇪🇺🇬🇧🇺🇦 @LeeGrocott

@timecaptales @historyinmemes This is Gary Oldman in the film, Bram Stoker’s Dracula. One of his many roles in that film. Such a good actor.

Time Capsule Tales @timecaptales

@historyinmemes Deaf man's cat realising that meowing is useless so started communicating using signs. pic.twitter.com/1AtsSNcPNI

Mr Commonsense @fopminui

The largest of the domestic cat breed, the Maine Coon can measure up to 1 meter from muzzle to tail and up to 40 cm at the withers. Females are generally smaller and weigh an average of 5-6 kg. It is a Native American breed, being the official state cat of Maine. He has keen hunting instincts but is kind. This large feline has a rectangular body with a strong boning, a flowing and silky coat and an extremely bushy tail. He comes in a variety of coat colors and patterns and his neck fur is ruffled. The length of their coat can be long or medium. It requires minimal grooming due to its light undercoat and its coat is thicker in winter. Its fur is water resistant and its paws are large to facilitate walking in the snow. This cat has above-average intelligence; he is independent, loyal and affectionate. He is very vocal and has a fascination with water. Maine coon can measure up to 1 meter from muzzle to tail and up to 40 cm at the withers. Females are generally smaller and weigh an average of 5-6 kg.

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VisionaryVoid @VisionaryVoid

Another interesting fact about ship cats and their passports is that some of them became famous and celebrated for their service and achievements. One of the most well-known ship cats was Simon, a black and white cat who served on the British Royal Navy sloop HMS Amethyst during the Chinese Civil War in 1949. Simon was found as a stray kitten in Hong Kong and was adopted by the crew as their mascot and rodent catcher. He soon proved his worth by killing many rats that threatened the ship’s food supplies and morale. Simon also survived a cannon attack by the Chinese Communist forces, which killed 17 crew members and wounded many others. Despite being badly injured by shrapnel, Simon continued to perform his duties and comforted the wounded and dying sailors. He was awarded the Dickin Medal, the highest honor for animal bravery, for his “courageous behavior” and “outstanding service”. He also received a special passport that allowed him to return to England with his crew. Sadly, Simon died of an infection shortly after arriving in England, but he was given a full naval funeral and buried with honors.

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VisionaryVoid @VisionaryVoid

Simon the ship cat was more than just a feline friend; he was a true hero. His bravery and unwavering service in the face of danger are nothing short of inspiring. It's heartwarming to see that even animals can receive recognition for their incredible acts of courage. Simon's story reminds us that heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and his legacy lives on as a symbol of valor and companionship. 🐾🏅🚢 #SimonTheShipCat

Amrit @Amrit_Uvach

At one time, simply having a cat on board provided the master with insurance. The shipping rules (II Consolato del Mare) published in Barcelona in 1494 state: “If goods laden on board of a ship are devoured by rats, and the owners consequently suffer considerable damage, the master must repair the injury sustained by the owners, for he is considered in fault. But if the master kept cats on board, he is excused from that liability.” Some 500 years later, ridding a ship of its rat population even led to a bravery award for one cat. Simon, of the British warship HMS Amethyst, won the PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals) Dicken Medal for his courage during the Yangtse Incident, when the ship was held hostage for ten weeks in 1949 during the civil war between the Chinese Communist People’s Liberation Army and Nationalist Kuomintang forces.

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NeonBelly @NeonBelly13

@Ek_Indian07 @historyinmemes 😸😸