How did cats get to Earth? - briefly
Cats are believed to have originated from wild ancestors like the African wildcat, gradually domesticating themselves through proximity to human settlements for food and shelter.
How did cats get to Earth? - in detail
The origin of cats on Earth is deeply rooted in evolutionary biology and human history. Cats, scientifically classified under the family Felidae, trace their ancestry back to small, carnivorous mammals that lived approximately 25 million years ago during the Oligocene epoch. These early felids, such as Proailurus, are considered the first true cats and shared many characteristics with modern felines, including retractable claws and a keen sense of hunting. Over millions of years, these ancestors evolved into various species, adapting to different environments and ecological niches. The domestication of cats, specifically the species Felis catus, began around 9,000 years ago in the Near East, coinciding with the advent of agriculture. As humans stored surplus grains, they inadvertently attracted rodents, which in turn drew wildcats. These wildcats, likely the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica), began to live in close proximity to human settlements, benefiting from the abundance of prey. Over time, a mutualistic relationship developed, with humans tolerating the presence of cats due to their pest control abilities, and cats adapting to a more sedentary lifestyle. Selective breeding and genetic changes further solidified this relationship, leading to the diverse breeds of domestic cats we know today. The spread of agriculture and human migration facilitated the global dispersal of cats, making them one of the most widespread and adaptable species on the planet. Thus, the presence of cats on Earth is a result of both natural evolutionary processes and their unique partnership with humans.