What color were the first cats? - briefly
The first cats, which are believed to have originated from the African wildcat (Felis lybica), were primarily sandy brown or tawny in color. This coloration provided effective camouflage in their natural desert and savannah habitats.
What color were the first cats? - in detail
The earliest ancestors of modern cats, known as Felis silvestris lybica, are believed to have originated in the Fertile Crescent region around 10,000 years ago. These wild cats were likely grayish-brown with distinct tabby markings, similar to those seen in some domestic breeds today. This coloration provided an evolutionary advantage, offering camouflage in their natural habitat and aiding in hunting prey.
As these wild cats began to interact with early human settlements, they started the process of domestication. The exact timeline for this transition is debated among scientists, but it is estimated that cats were first domesticated around 9,000 years ago. During this period, cats would have continued to exhibit their natural grayish-brown coloration, as there was no selective pressure from humans to alter their fur color.
The introduction of selective breeding by humans significantly shaped the diversity of cat colors and patterns we see today. Over time, various genetic mutations arose that influenced coat color, such as the Agouti gene which determines the distribution of tabby markings. Additionally, the development of genes for specific colors like black (B), chocolate (b), cinnamon (c^ch^), and dilution (d) contributed to the wide array of cat colors observed in modern breeds.
In conclusion, the first cats were likely grayish-brown with tabby markings, reflecting their wild ancestors' need for camouflage. As domestication progressed and humans began selectively breeding cats, a vast spectrum of colors and patterns emerged, enriching the genetic diversity of the species.