The origin of domestic cats
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The domestic cat, a small carnivorous mammal, has woven its way into human history and hearts with a subtlety and grace characteristic of its species.
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Felis catus, as it is scientifically known, boasts a rich and complex journey from its wild ancestors to the cherished pets we know today. Let’s delve into the multifaceted origins of domestic cats, tracing their evolutionary path, domestication process, and the role they have played in human societies throughout history.
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Cats’ lineage can be traced back over 30 million years to the Proailurus, which is Latin for “before the cat”. This ancestor, a small tree-dwelling animal, is considered the first “true cat”. It was from this lineage that the family Felidae, which includes all modern cats, both wild and domestic, evolved.
The direct ancestors of domestic cats are believed to be the African wildcat, Felis silvestris lybica, which still roams the deserts of North Africa. Genetic studies have shown that domestic cats are genetically very similar to F. s. lybica, suggesting that our household felines diverged from these wild counterparts around 10,000 years ago.
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The domestication of cats is a unique story, differing significantly from that of other domesticated animals. Whereas many species were domesticated by humans for specific purposes such as labour, protection, or food, cats likely initiated their own domestication.
This process began in the Near East, particularly in the Fertile Crescent, where the advent of agriculture led to the storage of surplus crops. These stores attracted rodents, which in turn drew wildcats into human settlements. The early farmers likely found the wildcats beneficial for controlling the rodent population, thus tolerating their presence, and gradually, a mutual relationship formed.
Over time, through natural selection, the wildcats that were less afraid of humans and more tolerant of their presence became the ancestors of our domestic cats.
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Unlike dogs, which were selected for a wide range of traits, the domestication of cats involved less direct human intervention. Cats’ roles in human society remained relatively unchanged for millennia; they were valued for their natural hunting abilities rather than for traits that might have been deliberately bred into them. This has resulted in domestic cats retaining much of their wild ancestors’ physical and behavioral traits.
Cats’ integration into human society has been documented in various ancient civilizations. In ancient Egypt, cats were revered and associated with gods and goddesses. The goddess Bastet, often depicted as a lioness or as a woman with the head of a cat, was the deity of home, fertility, and childbirth, reflecting the high status cats held in Egyptian society. Killing a cat, even accidentally, was considered a serious crime. Cats were often mummified and buried with their owners, highlighting their significance in Egyptian culture.
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In addition to Egypt, cats were respected in other ancient cultures for their hunting prowess and were often associated with mystery and magic. In medieval Europe, however, their fortunes waxed and waned. They were sometimes suspected of being familiars of witches or embodiments of evil, leading to persecution. However, their unmatched rodent-catching abilities ensured their survival and gradual acceptance, even as superstitions persisted.
The Age of Exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries further solidified cats’ roles in human society, albeit on a different stage. Cats were invaluable aboard ships for controlling rats, which not only damaged supplies but also carried disease. This period likely contributed to the spread of domestic cats to virtually all corners of the globe.
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Today, cats are among the most popular pets worldwide, cherished for their companionship, their elegant and independent natures, and their prowess as hunters. The relationship between humans and cats has evolved over thousands of years, from a practical partnership in ancient granaries to an emotional bond in modern homes. Cats have adapted to a wide range of environments and societies, demonstrating a remarkable ability to coexist with humans while retaining much of their ancestral independence.
The origin and domestication of cats are emblematic of the complex interactions between humans and the natural world. Unlike other domesticated animals, cats have maintained a balance between wildness and tameness, autonomy and companionship. Their journey from the deserts of North Africa to the laps of their human companions encapsulates a story of adaptation, coexistence, and mutual respect.
This history not only illuminates the origins of one of humanity’s oldest animal companions but also reflects broader themes of adaptation and the interdependence of life on Earth.
Tim Philp has enjoyed science since he was old enough to read. Having worked in technical fields all his life, he shares his love of science with readers weekly. He can be reached by e-mail at [email protected].
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