Cats in Scientific History

Cats are often recognized for their skill in controlling pests, but a select few have played pivotal roles in scientific advancements.

In the mid-17th century, while Isaac Newton was formulating the laws of gravity and developing calculus, his cat Spithead frequently interrupted him, leading to the invention of the cat flap. Newton crafted a small opening in his door, covered by a leather flap, allowing Spithead to come and go freely.

Notably, Nicola Tesla, the mind behind alternating current and radio technology, also had a feline companion. In a reflective moment, he described an extraordinary experience with his cat Macak, marveling at the sparks generated when he stroked the cat’s back. His musings on electricity were profoundly influenced by this encounter:

“In the evening twilight, as I caressed Macak, I was astonished to witness a radiant spectacle. My hand sparked, echoing throughout the house… This experience left an indelible mark on my young imagination, prompting me to ponder the essence of electricity.”

— Nicola Tesla, in a 1932 letter

The concept of quantum superposition, introduced by Albert Einstein and his colleagues, suggested that tiny particles can exist in multiple states until observed. In 1935, Erwin Schrödinger famously illustrated this idea with a thought experiment involving a cat confined in a box, which could be simultaneously alive and dead based on a quantum event. While Schrödinger did not advocate for this experiment, it highlights the absurdities of quantum mechanics at that time. Interestingly, Schrödinger was a dog owner, not a cat lover.

On the contrary, Einstein had a cat named Tiger, who, although not directly contributing to scientific theories, inspired Einstein's view on the essence of home:

“I adore cats because they enhance my living space, gradually becoming its visible spirit.”

Einstein admired cats for their independence, intelligence, and unique personalities.

In 1947, the U.S. Government aimed to determine if cats always land on their feet. They sent two felines on a parabolic flight, and the results were less than favorable. A similar experiment was conducted in the 1960s, resulting in a rather unsettling short film of cats in space.

Edwin Hubble, renowned for his work in extragalactic astronomy, had a part-Persian cat named Nicolas Copernicus, who often lounged across Hubble's work. Hubble’s wife, Grace, noted in her diary:

“When Edwin worked at his desk, Nicolas sprawled over the papers. ‘He is assisting me,’ he quipped.”

On October 18, 1963, Felicette became the first cat in space. This sweet black-and-white stray from Paris underwent rigorous training, including exposure to centrifuges. Attached to a rocket, she ascended to 100 miles, where her capsule detached and returned safely to Earth. Despite her survival, she was euthanized two months later for scientific study, leading to a commemorative postage stamp in her honor.

In 2001, CC (Carbon Copy) became the first cloned cat. By transplanting DNA from a calico cat named Rainbow into an egg cell, researchers created CC, who exhibited different calico patterns than her genetic predecessor due to womb development. CC lived for over a decade and had several kittens.

Oscar, a black cat, gained attention in 2010 as the first feline to receive prosthetic legs. These innovative legs were designed to allow bone growth through the material, resulting in a more comfortable fit than traditional prosthetics.

In 2011, scientists made strides in gene editing to combat feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). To verify the success of the gene implantation, they used a green fluorescent protein from jellyfish, resulting in the world's first glow-in-the-dark cat, Mr. Green Genes, born in 2008.

The concept of having a glow-in-the-dark cat is certainly appealing, though I would be equally thrilled to have a cat with prosthetic limbs.

Chapter 2: The Impact of Cats on Science

Meet the WashU scientist behind 'The Cat's Meow' - This video delves into the fascinating intersection of feline behavior and scientific inquiry.

Washington University professor explains the 'Science of Cats' - A deeper look into how cats have influenced scientific thought and experimentation.