What kind of cats did humans domesticate? - briefly
Humans primarily domesticated the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica) around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent region of West Asia. This subspecies is considered the primary ancestor of today's domestic cats.
What kind of cats did humans domesticate? - in detail
Humans have domesticated several species of cats over thousands of years, with the most notable being the Felis catus, commonly known as the domestic cat. This process began around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent region, where early farmers likely started attracting wild cats to their settlements by providing a reliable food source from rodents and other pests that fed on stored grains.
The Felis catus is believed to have descended from the African wildcat (Felis lybica), which still inhabits parts of Africa and the Middle East today. The exact timeline and location of this domestication are subjects of ongoing debate among scientists, but genetic studies suggest that cats were first domesticated in the Near East around 10,000 years ago.
In addition to Felis catus, humans have also domesticated other species of cats for various purposes. For example, the jungle cat (Felis chaus) has been domesticated in some regions for pest control and companionship. Similarly, the fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) is sometimes kept as a pet in its native range, although this practice is less common than with Felis catus or Felis chaus.
Another notable example of cat domestication is the sand cat (Felis margarita), which has been known to live alongside humans in desert environments for thousands of years. While not as commonly kept as pets, sand cats are sometimes adopted by nomadic tribes and other desert-dwelling communities for their ability to survive in harsh conditions.
In some cases, humans have also domesticated hybrid species of cats. For instance, the Bengal cat is a cross between a domestic cat (Felis catus) and an Asian leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis). These hybrids were first developed in the United States during the 1960s and have since gained popularity as pets due to their unique appearance and temperament.
Overall, the domestication of cats by humans has resulted in a wide range of breeds and varieties, each with its own unique characteristics and behaviors. While Felis catus remains the most commonly domesticated species, other species such as Felis chaus, Prionailurus viverrinus, and Felis margarita have also been adopted by humans for various purposes throughout history.