Museum Visit - Cats: Predators to Pets at the Field Museum
- Cana Clark
- Mar 1
- 3 min read
The Field Museum in Chicago is currently advertising a VERY exciting exhibit for this feline enthusiast — Cats: Predators to Pets!
The exhibit focuses on cats of all kinds, but each section focuses on the connection between domesticated cats and wild cats.
In the first section, there are an array of lovely taxidermized big cats, from the popular tiger to the lesser known jaguarundi. Interactive screens allow you to explore the family trees of the cats displayed. Most of the taxidermy is very impressive, although a couple looked what I can only refer to as "goofy." Large photo standees filled out any missing cats from the taxidermy display.
The back of this section also shows several pelts and explains how recent research (partially done by a Field Museum researcher) has discovered new subsets of species! It was very exciting to see one of the Field Museum's own researchers on the cutting edge of feline science.
The middle section focused on the incredible abilities of cats. Their hunting capabilities are truly incredible. Videos and diagrams explained the intricacies of their hunting styles, while dynamic taxidermy allowed an up-close look at such hunting techniques "in action."
Other parts of this section showed us how cats see, how they smell, and how much they need to sleep! (My own kitty can attest to this). Interactive screens and tactile features made it fun and helped to fight museum fatigue.
The cat behavior part of this middle section charmed me with videos of baby cats and explanations of feline familial structures. Not every cat species has as interesting of a structure as the lion's pride, but seeing videos of cheetah cubs and snow leopards was plenty engaging!
The final section of the exhibit focuses on cats as a part of culture. A cartoon cat guide is projected onto a molding of an old grave containing a young boy and a cat. The guide tells us how cats became domesticated after humans discovered agriculture, walking us through the transition of cats from pest control to companions in an animated sequence. Even the model of the boy and his beloved cat, buried together, was very moving.
The following rooms display instances of cats in culture, from cats as guardians to cats as memes! Two video games about cats are available for people to test out — the famous indie game Stray, and Little Kitty, Big City.
The last feature before the gift shop is an adorable photo-op of a giant cat tree. Information on the side encourages cat owners to ensure their pets have plenty of playtime and enrichment. "Domestic cats need to hunt, too!"
This connection of wild cats' needs to the needs of domestic cats was a very clever thread throughout the entire exhibit. Placards explain that cats need to play, need companionship, and even need dental care! It was a well-integrated lesson on feline care.
Speaking of domestic cats, I greatly enjoyed the little cartoon tuxedo cat who acted as a guide and connection to domestic cats. The cartoon cat went unnamed, but I was desperate for some gift shop merch featuring him! His personality was very endearing. Alas, the gift shop lacked any mention of our little guide.
I also appreciated that every section referred to the conservation status of the cats on display. Many wild cats are endangered — facing deforestation, poaching, climate change, and pollution. (Can we ever enjoy a nature exhibit without the inevitable news of its impending destruction? Unless we change our consumptive behavior and various capitalistic systems of exploitation, I doubt it).
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Cats: Predators to Pets. I can attest to its respect for cats as both predators and pets. If you have a chance to visit the Field Museum in Chicago, I highly recommend!
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