Over Thanksgiving, we returned to one of our favorite destinations: Chicago’s Field Museum. Despite numerous visits, the museum’s dynamic exhibitions and thoughtful updates continually offer fresh experiences. This time, we were particularly excited to explore the new separately-ticketed exhibition, “Cats: Predators to Pets,” which we visited on its opening day, November 29, 2024.
“Cats: Predators to Pets” delves into the fascinating evolution of felines, tracing their journey from formidable wild predators to cherished domestic companions. The exhibition showcases the diversity of the 38 wild cat species through engaging videos, animations, and meticulously crafted taxidermy specimens like those seen here:
One highlight is a vertical display featuring five housecat skeletons, illustrating the unique physiology that enables cats to land on their feet—a testament to their remarkable agility.
The exhibition also explores the deep cultural significance of cats across various societies. Artifacts from ancient Egypt reveal the reverence Egyptians held for cats, dressing them in jewels and treating them as royalty. This historical perspective enriches our understanding of the complex relationship between humans and felines throughout history. We couldn’t help but stop for a selfie with the large Japanese lucky cat.
A particularly engaging feature of the exhibition is the “That’s My Cat!” photo contest, which invites visitors to submit photos of their own cats. Each month, selected images are displayed within the exhibition, adding a personal touch and celebrating the bond between visitors and their feline friends.
For those planning a visit, “Cats: Predators to Pets” runs through April 27, 2025. The Field Museum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, with the last entry at 4 pm. It’s located at 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605. And don’t forget to stop in the boutique gift shop featuring cat-related items after visiting the exhibition. I am looking forward to reading a book I picked up there, titled We’ll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida.
Whether you’re a cat enthusiast or simply curious about the natural world, this exhibition offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of our feline companions. As always, our visit to the Field Museum was both educational and inspiring, reaffirming why it remains one of our most cherished cultural institutions.
For a sneak peek into the exhibition, check out this video:
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