From whom did all cats descend? - briefly
All modern domestic cats are believed to have descended from the African wildcat (Felis lybica). This species is thought to be the ancestor of all cat breeds we see today.
From whom did all cats descend? - in detail
All modern cats, both domestic and wild, trace their lineage back to a single species: Felis silvestris, commonly known as the European Wildcat or African Wildcat. This ancestral species is believed to have originated in Africa approximately 11 million years ago. Over time, through natural selection and adaptation to various environments, Felis silvestris diversified into multiple subspecies, including the domestic cat (Felis catus).
The process of domestication began around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent region of the Middle East. Early farmers are thought to have invited wildcats into their grain stores to control pests such as mice and rats. Over generations, these wildcats became more accustomed to human presence and eventually evolved into the domestic cats we know today.
Genetic studies have confirmed that the domestication of cats involved a small number of founding individuals from Felis silvestris lybica, a subspecies found in North Africa and the Middle East. These early domestic cats were valued for their pest control abilities and eventually spread throughout the world through human migration and trade routes.
In summary, all cats today descend from Felis silvestris, with the specific lineage of domestic cats tracing back to Felis silvestris lybica. The journey from wild ancestor to beloved pet spans millions of years, shaped by evolutionary pressures and human influence.