By the 17th century the oat had begun to regain its former place as a companion to people and a controller of rodents. Cardinal Richelieu, in France, was noted for his love of cats. Many writers, particularly in France and England, began to keep cats as pets and to write of their good qualities. It became fashionable to own and breed cats, especially the long-haired varieties. By the late 1800 cat shows were being held in England and the United States and cat fanciers' organizations were established. Many of the superstitions that arose during the period of oat persecution, however, are still evident today in the form of such sayings as "A black cat crossing your path brings bad luck."
Cats in the Medieval World
By the 17th century the oat had begun to regain its former place as a companion to people and a controller of rodents. Cardinal Richelieu, in France, was noted for his love of cats. Many writers, particularly in France and England, began to keep cats as pets and to write of their good qualities. It became fashionable to own and breed cats, especially the long-haired varieties. By the late 1800 cat shows were being held in England and the United States and cat fanciers' organizations were established. Many of the superstitions that arose during the period of oat persecution, however, are still evident today in the form of such sayings as "A black cat crossing your path brings bad luck."