From what world are cats? - briefly
Cats originate from the planet Earth. They have been domesticated by humans for thousands of years and are now found in various environments around the globe.
From what world are cats? - in detail
Cats, as we know them today, are descendants of the African wildcat (Felis lybica), which is native to Africa and the Middle East. The process of domestication began approximately 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent region, where early farmers would have left out food scraps that attracted wildcats. Over time, these cats adapted to living around humans, and their behavior and physical traits evolved to fit this new environment.
One of the earliest evidence of cat domestication comes from a 9,500-year-old grave in Cyprus where a cat was buried alongside a human, suggesting a close bond between the two species. As agriculture spread, so did cats, traveling with humans across continents and becoming integral to societies around the world.
The domestication of cats has led to the development of numerous breeds, each with its own unique characteristics. These breeds have been shaped by selective breeding practices over centuries, resulting in a wide range of appearances, sizes, and temperaments. Despite their varied appearances, all domestic cats share a common ancestor in the African wildcat, highlighting the remarkable journey these animals have undertaken from their original world to our modern households.