From Infogalactic: the planetary knowledge core
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The ship's cat has been a common sight on many trading, exploration, and naval ships, and is a phenomenon that goes back to ancient times. Cats have been carried on ships for a number of reasons, the most important being that mice and rats, which would inevitably find their way aboard a ship, could cause considerable damage to ropes and woodwork. More serious was the threat they posed to the stores the ship carried. Rats and mice were also sources of disease, an important consideration when the ship could be at sea for a long period of time.
Cats therefore performed a valuable service by catching mice, rats, and other pests. They also offered companionship as well as a sense of home and security to sailors, who could be away from home for long periods, especially in times of war.
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