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The Evolution & Domestication of Cats: A Quick Look

Written by: Emma Stenhouse

Last Updated on January 7, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

cat walking in the wild_caligari77, Pixabay

The Evolution & Domestication of Cats: A Quick Look

If you’ve ever wondered exactly how cats came to be domesticated, we’re here to answer that question! The evidence suggests that wild cats actively chose to hang around with humans, and we’ve been inseparable ever since.

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The Domestic Cat’s Ancestors

Research has found that all breeds of domestic cats are descended from a wildcat called Felis sylvestris. This species was found across Europe, Southern Asia, and Africa. These cats can still be found in the wild today in three main subspecies: European wildcats, Asiatic wildcats, and African wildcats.

serval cat_Anthony Murtagh_Shutterstock
Image by: Anthony Murtagh, Shutterstock

Where & When Cats Were First Domesticated

It’s thought that wildcats were first domesticated in the Near East. The first evidence that we have of cats being near to human settlements was found in Southern Cyprus, at a Neolithic site called Shillourokambos. Here, the skeleton of an African wildcat was found close to a human grave. This grave was dated at roughly 7500-7200 B.C.

As there are no wildcats native to Cyprus, it’s assumed that this and other cats were brought to the island from the mainland.

There is also a great deal of evidence of feline domestication in Egypt. This was originally where cats were thought to have been domesticated, until the earlier evidence was found. Cat skulls were found in Egyptian burial grounds, and the cat in general, also known as Mau by the ancient Egyptians, was depicted in the Egyptian god Bastet.

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How Cats Were First Domesticated

So, how did our furry little friends develop from wildcats used to fending for themselves to the snuggly creatures that sit on our couches and demand to be fed?

Wildcats were attracted to human settlements, probably due to the number of mice. As an easy source of food, wildcats would have spent time catching these mice on the edge of settlements. Farmers realized that the wildcats were doing them a favor by hunting the mice, and the process of domestication began.

As wildcats became less afraid of humans, traders began to bring cats on sea voyages as they transported grain and other perishable goods. In this way, the cat spread throughout Europe and the rest of the world.

During domestication, the anatomy and behavior of cats didn’t change much at all. It’s thought that some of the natural traits of wildcats helped them quickly adapt to domestication, including:

  • Relatively small size
  • Sociable natures
  • Intelligence
  • Love of playing
  • Clear body language
Shell Cameo Persian Domestic Cat_slowmotiongli_shutterstock
Image Credit: slowmotiongli, Shutterstock

The Development of Domestic Cat Breeds

Until the 19th century, there weren’t clearly defined breeds of domestic cats. Some natural cat breeds had started to develop, as the wildcat genome began to change, and domestic cats began breeding with each other. It’s these natural breeds that founded the different breeds of domestic cats that we see today. Natural cat breeds are also known as “landraces” and are adapted to their environment. Examples of these types of breed include the Norwegian Forest Cat, Japanese Bobtail, Russian Blue, and Turkish Van.

The Persian cat breed is one of the oldest specific breeds of cats, with documentation showing cats being imported from Persia to Italy in 1620. It’s not known exactly how this breed came to be longhaired, as there are no examples of this type of coat in their ancestors, the wildcats.

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Conclusion

While your domestic cat might still sometimes think that they’re a wildcat, their ancestors have spent thousands of years aligning themselves with us humans, most likely so they can get pampered, cuddled, and, of course, fed! We can’t see that changing any time soon.


Featured Image Credit: caligari77, Pixabay

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