How did people tame cats in ancient times? - briefly
In ancient times, humans likely tamed cats by providing them with food and shelter, which encouraged their presence in agricultural settlements to control pests. This mutual benefit fostered a gradual domestication process over thousands of years.
How did people tame cats in ancient times? - in detail
The domestication of cats in ancient times was a gradual and mutual process driven by the benefits both humans and cats derived from their interaction. Unlike other domesticated animals, cats were not intentionally tamed by humans but rather entered human settlements on their own terms. This process began around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent, where the development of agriculture created environments that attracted wildcats. Early farming communities stored surplus grain, which in turn attracted rodents. Wildcats, primarily the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica), were drawn to these settlements because of the abundant prey. Humans, recognizing the cats' ability to control rodent populations, tolerated their presence and even encouraged it.
Over time, a symbiotic relationship developed. Cats that were less fearful of humans and more adept at living near settlements had a survival advantage, leading to a form of natural selection. These cats were more likely to reproduce and pass on their traits, gradually resulting in a population of cats that were more accustomed to human presence. Archaeological evidence, such as the discovery of a cat buried alongside a human in Cyprus dating back 9,500 years, suggests that cats were already forming close bonds with humans by this time.
In ancient Egypt, cats became highly valued for their pest control abilities and were eventually revered as sacred animals. This cultural shift further solidified their place in human society. The Egyptians selectively bred cats for specific traits, contributing to the development of domesticated cats as we know them today. While cats were never fully domesticated in the same way as dogs or livestock, their relationship with humans evolved into one of companionship and mutual benefit. This process was not driven by human intention but by the natural behaviors and adaptations of both species.