In which country was the cat domesticated? - briefly
The domestication of the cat is believed to have occurred in the Near East. This process likely began around 10,000 years ago, coinciding with the advent of agriculture.
In which country was the cat domesticated? - in detail
The domestication of the cat is a fascinating subject that sheds light on the ancient relationship between humans and felines. The process began approximately 10,000 years ago, coinciding with the advent of agriculture and the rise of settled human communities. These changes created an environment where small mammals, which cats prey upon, thrived, thereby attracting wildcats to human settlements.
The most compelling evidence points to the Near East, particularly the Fertile Crescent, as the primary region where cats were first domesticated. This area stretches from the eastern Mediterranean through the Levant to the Persian Gulf and encompasses modern-day countries such as Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran. Archaeological findings in this region have provided significant insights into the early stages of cat domestication.
One of the most notable discoveries is the burial site of a human and a cat in Cyprus, dating back to around 9,500 years ago. This find suggests that cats were not only tolerated but also valued by early human societies. Additionally, genetic studies have supported the Near Eastern origin of domestic cats. These studies indicate that the modern domestic cat (Felis catus) is descended from the Near Eastern wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica).
The domestication process was likely gradual and mutualistic. Cats benefited from the abundance of food in human settlements, while humans appreciated the cats' ability to control pest populations, particularly rodents. Over time, this symbiotic relationship led to the selection of traits that made cats more suitable for living alongside humans, such as increased docility and reduced fear of humans.
Furthermore, the spread of domestic cats from the Near East to other parts of the world can be traced through archaeological and genetic evidence. As human societies expanded and traded, they likely brought cats with them, leading to the global distribution of domestic felines we see today. This dispersal is reflected in the genetic diversity of modern cat populations, which often show traces of their ancient Near Eastern ancestry.
In summary, the domestication of the cat began in the Near East, particularly in the Fertile Crescent. This region's agricultural developments and the resulting changes in human settlements created an ideal environment for the domestication of wildcats. Archaeological and genetic evidence strongly supports this origin, highlighting the ancient and enduring bond between humans and cats.