Housecats - Most important animal on the frontier

Horses were transportation and work animals. Cows provided meat, milk and hide. Dogs were hunting partners, guards and companions. Chickens gave eggs and meat for food as well as feathers for beds and pillows. Even the wild animals of the prairie and forest contributed to the livelihood of the pioneer. But one animal, possibly the most important of them all, is seldom mentioned - the common house cat. I am not a lover of felines, but credit should be given where credit is due. One generally loves or hates a cat, there is no in between. According to a new study, more cats are abandoned by owners than any other animal. How then can the common house cat be ranked among the most important animals on the American frontier? When the first Europeans arrived on the shores of the New World there were no cats or rats, but the Vikings carved their pictures on the rune stones in Greenland.