What kind of cat appeared first? - briefly
The earliest known domesticated cats were likely the African wildcat (Felis lybica), which began living near human settlements around 10,000 years ago in the Near East. This relationship evolved over time as cats provided pest control and companionship to early agricultural communities.
What kind of cat appeared first? - in detail
The origin of domestic cats (Felis catus) is a subject of ongoing scientific debate, but recent genetic and archaeological evidence suggests that they were first domesticated in the Near East around 10,000 years ago. This process likely began with the taming of wildcats, particularly the African wildcat (Felis lybica), which is believed to be the closest ancestor of the modern domestic cat.
The domestication of cats is thought to have occurred due to their usefulness in controlling rodent populations that threatened grain stores. Early agricultural communities, which relied heavily on grain for sustenance, would have benefited significantly from the presence of cats. Over time, these wildcats became more tolerant of human contact and began to exhibit behavioral changes indicative of domestication.
Genetic studies have shown that all domestic cats can be traced back to a small number of founding populations, with the African wildcat being the primary contributor to their genetic makeup. This is supported by the fact that modern domestic cats share many physical and behavioral characteristics with their African wildcat ancestors.
In addition to their role in pest control, cats also provided companionship and were often revered in ancient cultures. For example, in ancient Egypt, cats were considered sacred and were often mummified alongside their owners. This further facilitated the spread of domestic cats throughout the region and beyond.
While the Near East is generally accepted as the origin point for domestic cat domestication, it is possible that independent domestication events occurred in other parts of the world as well. However, these are less well-documented and require further research to confirm.
In conclusion, the African wildcat (Felis lybica) is widely considered to be the first kind of cat that appeared in the context of domestic cat evolution, with the domestication process initiated around 10,000 years ago in the Near East.