ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Ship's cat

A ship's cat is a furry animal who lives on a big boat that floats on the water. These cats have been around for a very long time, since ancient times when people first started sailing on boats.

The ship's cat's job is to help keep the boat clear of any unwanted mice or rats. These little critters can cause big problems on a ship if they start to chew through ropes or gnaw on food supplies. This is where the ship's cat comes in - they are natural hunters and can easily catch and eat these rodents.

Not only are ship's cats helpful for getting rid of pesky rodents, they are also great companions for the sailors. Being out at sea for long periods of time can be lonely and boring, so having a furry friend around can make things a bit more fun and interesting.

Ship's cats are well taken care of on the ship, with lots of food and water provided for them. They even have their own special places to sleep and play. And when they are on shore, they are usually taken care of by the sailors who love them.

In summary, a ship's cat is a special and hardworking furry animal who helps sailors by catching rodents and keeping them company during long voyages at sea.