What is the name of the cat's ancestor? - briefly
The ancestor of modern cats is believed to be the African wildcat (Felis lybica), which diverged from other felids around 10.8 million years ago and domesticated approximately 9,000-10,000 years ago.
What is the name of the cat's ancestor? - in detail
The domestic cat's ancestor is a species known as the African wildcat (Felis lybica). This small, agile feline inhabits the deserts and savannas of Africa and Southwest Asia. The process of domestication began around 10,000 years ago when early farmers started attracting wildcats to their settlements with a ready supply of rodents and other small prey. Over time, these wildcats adapted to human environments, leading to the development of the domestic cat we know today. The African wildcat is considered the primary ancestor due to its genetic similarity and the fact that it was the first species to be domesticated by humans. This close relationship is evident in the behavioral traits shared between the two species, such as their hunting skills and social structure.