There are not a lot of communities on the internet that you can just leave to self-govern and come back a few years later only to see it as wholesome as it was in the beginning.
But animal lovers seem to be one of the few. For example, there's a Facebook group called 'Cat Memes.'
It originally started in 2019 because of a competition during a Ferrum College women's soccer team's scavenger hunt but has grown into a 1.6-million-member online space, maintaining its positive and vibrant atmosphere.
More info: Facebook
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It's not just the wholesome Facebook group that has seen rapid growth. For example, pet ownership in the U.S. has jumped significantly over the past three decades. As of 2023, 66% of American households (86.9 million homes) own a pet. That's up from 56% in 1988!
From companionship to emotional support, animals have become a vital part of our lives. In fact, 85% of dog owners and 76% of cat owners see their pets as a member of the family.
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Currently, Millennials make up the largest percentage of pet owners (33%), followed by Gen X (25%) and Baby Boomers (24%).
However, Gen Z pet owners are far more likely than other age groups to have a variety of pets.
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But the roots for our feline frenzy go way back. The ancient Egyptians are generally thought to have been the first to domesticate cats, breeding them to produce a distinct new species around 4,000 to 3,900 years ago.
Although researchers have long suspected that humans began taming wild cats much earlier, for a long time they had limited evidence supporting this idea.
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But scientists have discovered a site on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus from around 9,500 years ago with the remains of a human and a cat, as well as a rich variety of offerings, and it is now believed to be the oldest known evidence of our special friendship.
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Dr. Patricia Pendry of Washington State University, who studies human-animal interactions, speculates that it might be the felines' discriminating behavior that's so irresistible to humans.
"The subtle and somewhat unpredictable responses cats give us, give us the perception that we are chosen — or perceived as 'special' when a response from a cat does occur," she said. "I also believe that because the response tends to take a little bit more time to emerge, we are captivated by a desire to know what the cat will do."
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It is also possible, according to some research, that we cannot help but find felines to be cute due to the features they share with human babies. We instinctively respond to the large eyes and playful behavior, an evolutionarily beneficial response that has helped ensure we care for our young.
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The Facebook group 'Cat Memes' captures this beautifully. Whether it's a kitty curled up in a cozy spot, batting at a dangling toy, or donning a quirky expression, each image showcases the charming antics that make our feline friends so lovable.
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