Question

Cats were brought to the Americas in the 1750s to do what?

Answer 1

Cats were brought to the Americas in the 1750s to help control rodent populations. Cats were used to control the spread of disease and protect food stores from rodents.

Answer 2

As to when domestic cats reached the Americas, little is known. Christopher Columbus and other seafarers of his day reportedly carried cats with them on transatlantic voyages. And voyagers onboard the Mayflower and residents of Jamestown are said to have brought cats with them to control vermin and to bring good luck.