The early Egyptians worshipped cats, not out of superstition or due to an investment in any kind of misguided mythology, but because the wily felines kept rodent populations under control. Rats especially that might have raided temple granaries and devastated agricultural productivity were instead kept in check by the predatory presence of cats.

Diseases carried by rodents were also contained due to the constant presence of these whiskered creatures the Egyptians would come to domesticate.

That trend of cats aiding humans in their struggles also surfaced in the form of seafaring cats, whose presence on board ships during the Age of Sail was also cherished. They prevented the ever-present rats from raiding the ship’s storages of food and from chewing at the rigging and sail, thus saving many a voyage from tragic endings.

This saga of humans and cats ultimately extended into an emotional symbiosis of comfort and camaraderie both species would derive from each other’s company. That bond, dating back to the majestic Egyptian Empire, has been sustained to this day and is proudly on display at one of New London’s old school “mom ‘n’ pop” businesses: Anytime Oil on Westwood Avenue.

Take Lexington, an adopted Siamese, and Petro, a onetime feral kitten fending desperately for survival. Both cats have found comfort and companionship as celebrated business mascots with this little oil company. They also serve their adopted home in the same vital fashion as their heralded Egyptian ancestors once served theirs: rodent control. And they offer camaraderie to everyone there — as verified by owners Jeff and Lily Suntup.

“Both of them started as outdoor cats,” Jeff Suntup said. “We were given Lexy (Lexington) originally to help control a massive mouse population on the grounds of our old Bernie’s towing garage on Jefferson Avenue. We also had a German shorthaired pointer named ‘Gunner’ guarding the premises there. A dog is an excellent visual deterrent against vandals,” he added. “And ol’ Gunner became like a parent to this young cat. He basically ‘raised’ her,” Jeff chuckled. “Having a cat living on the property soon got the mouse population under control.”

“Strange as this may sound,” he added, “Gunner actually first taught Lexy how to catch the mice!”

A near ‘parent-kitten’ rapport developed between the German pointer and the young Siamese there at that old Jefferson Street towing garage. It would last for the rest of the dog’s impressive 14 years of life. Lexy ultimately changed residences and has been dwelling happily in the cozy office of Anytime Oil, fit and able at 12 now. He and Petro, the proud Calico, also have total access to the vacant upstairs apartment. Life has been good for them under the care of the Suntups and their staff.

Jeff Suntup beams at how these relationships have blossomed. A somewhat grizzled, older fellow, he is a resolute survivor of bladder cancer, one whose most recent medical status was deemed No Evidence of Disease. His stately wife Lily is the spunky matriarch of the business and one who absolutely embraces the presence of Lexy and her Calico housemate, Petro.

Petro was found some time ago living under the porch of an old abandoned building by one of the company’s oil delivery drivers. She was little more than a kitten then, and the driver felt her days were numbered if she remained there on such a heavily trafficked street. So he finally caught her and off she went to a new home on the much quieter dead-end strip of Westwood Avenue, new mascot for Anytime Oil’s office. At 7 years of age, she is quite content with a predominantly indoor home life.

Both cats have charmed their way into the hearts of the company’s owners, staff and clientele.

“Westwood is a small industrial street, and since it’s a dead end, traffic is sparse and slow, plus we’ve got signs up too, reminding people to slow down for children and animals,” said Jeff Suntup.

The Suntups point out that since both cats were born in outdoor settings, their urge to go outside is still a strong one, but that the environment where they are is a safe one for them. They have access via the office back door to go in and out, which they do on occasion, and enjoy a setting where everyone recognizes them, including residents and neighboring businesses.

“They even visit some of the businesses and neighbors closer to us and the people all look forward to it. They give them treats and play with them,” Lily Suntup added, smiling. Lily and Jeff both described how customers and neighbors will come in and visit specifically to see either or both of the Westwood Avenue “celebrity cats.” They refer to one visitor as saying she actually “needs her Lexy & Petro fix.”

That comforting effect cats have on humans has been well-documented, and there are legitimate therapy cats used in hospitals, nursing homes, and in other scenarios where the touch of a friendly feline contains a healing essence. And this fabled pair of felines qualifies with their welcome reaction to human contact, especially Lexy.

It’s not the least bit unusual to have customers showing up with treats for the cats and staying longer just to play with them and to take joy in their company. “The cats love it!” Jeff Suntup said.

On another note, cats serve and protect in another way that is significant where human health is concerned. The dreaded Lyme disease has a major foe in the form of felines. The larvae form of the notorious Lyme tick originates in the fur of the white-footed field mouse and cannot advance into its next stage without taking its first bite from the tiny rodent. The blood of that particular mouse is absolutely indispensable for the tick to develop; otherwise it perishes, according to Dr. Sven Nielsen, formerly of the University of Connecticut Science Department.

It’s a matter of pure mathematics to realize that with the presence of cats there are fewer mice and, therefore, fewer Lyme ticks to spread their debilitating disease.

The Suntups, and others like them, have long benefited by simply being kind to animals. And they have no problem with allowing the apartment upstairs to become both a haven and a home for their two feline friends. They’ve even hired a mobile vet to visit and attend to the cats when checkups or other situations dictate.

Why such fuss, one might ask? As Lily Suntup puts it simply enough: “We enjoy animals … they give us so much loyal company and joy.”

“And they need to be taken care of,” Jeff Suntup added. “They deserve it too for all they give to us.”

Both agree these two gentle resident felines who have laid claim to the hearts of everyone working or visiting the premises, are also terrific ambassadors and advocates for business. But in the end, it’s all really about kindly humans sustaining a longtime bond of affection and trust between two different species.And there is nothing wrong with that at all.