Yes, You May Laugh While Doing Serious Research
Genealogy is serious work. But seriousness without humor leads to frustration, tunnel vision, and unnecessary suffering.
This page exists because laughter is not a distraction from good research—it is part of it.
The Cat has observed human genealogists for a very long time and finds their behavior endlessly instructive.
😹 The Cat’s Ten Commandments
1. Thou Shalt Laugh at Spelling Variations
Your ancestor’s name has had more identities than a spy. This is normal.
2. Thou Shalt Not Expect Anyone in the 1800s to Know Their Birth Year
The Cat calls this “age drift.” Humans call it “WHY?”
3. Thy Ancestors Shall Not Behave Logically
This is evidence of personality.
4. Thou Shalt Not Mock Record-Takers (Too Much)
The Cat forgives them. You should too.
5. Thou Shalt Refrain From Throwing Thy Computer
The Cat recommends snacks instead.
6. Thou Shalt Accept That “Farmer” Means Nothing
Titles are small. Lives are big.
7. Thou Shalt Take Breaks When Records Become Blurry
The Cat demands naps.
8. Thou Shalt Not Believe Every Family Legend
Sometimes truth is better. Sometimes truth is weirder.
9. Thou Shalt Embrace Unexpected DNA Matches
The Cat says: “Relax. Humans have always been complicated.”
10. Thou Shalt Remember That Genealogy Is Storytelling
Behind every document lies a story.
🐱 Cat Summary
The Cat’s final word: “If you cannot laugh at your ancestors, you are not looking closely enough.”