Dr Johnson’s cat left James Boswell cold, but the great man himself would do anything to avoid hurting the little fellow’s feelings.

The Northumbrian monk was touched by two thieving birds who repented of their misdeeds.

Bede is reminded of another great Christian saint when St Cuthbert shoos some troublesome crows from his barley crop.

On his travels through China and Tibet, Roman Catholic missionary Évariste Huc came across a novel way of telling the time.

A faithful feline bides his time until two criminals are brought to justice.

An Italian businessman and his family in 18th century Messina owed their lives to their pet cats.