Where did cats first come to Russia from? - briefly
Cats were introduced to Russia primarily through trade routes from the Middle East and Byzantium, arriving around the 9th to 11th centuries during the early medieval period.
Where did cats first come to Russia from? - in detail
Cats were introduced to Russia primarily through trade routes and cultural exchanges with neighboring regions. The earliest evidence of domestic cats in Russia dates back to the 7th century, during the early medieval period. These cats likely arrived from the Byzantine Empire, which had strong trade and cultural ties with Kievan Rus, the early East Slavic state that laid the foundation for modern Russia. Byzantine merchants and travelers brought cats to control rodents on ships and in settlements, as cats were highly valued for their pest-control abilities. Additionally, cats were considered symbols of status and were sometimes gifted to Russian nobility. Over time, cats became integral to Russian households, particularly in rural areas, where they protected grain stores from vermin. Their presence in Russian folklore and literature further underscores their long-standing significance in Russian culture. The spread of cats across Russia was gradual, influenced by both practical needs and the cultural exchange facilitated by trade routes connecting Russia to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.