What year are cats? - briefly
Cats have been domesticated for approximately 10,000 years, with some estimates suggesting they were first tamed around 7500 BC in ancient Egypt. This process has resulted in the development of numerous cat breeds and their widespread presence in human society worldwide.
What year are cats? - in detail
The domestication of cats is a fascinating subject that has intrigued scientists and historians alike. While the exact date when humans first began to tame cats remains elusive, archaeological evidence suggests that this process occurred around 10,000 years ago. This timeline places cat domestication within the same era as the shift from a nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle to settled agriculture, a period often referred to as the Neolithic Revolution.
The earliest known evidence of cat domestication comes from the island of Cyprus. In 2004, archaeologists discovered a cat buried alongside humans in a Neolithic grave dating back to approximately 9,500 years ago. This discovery is significant because it indicates that cats were not merely tolerated but rather cherished and considered part of human communities at that time.
Additional evidence supports this timeline. For instance, ancient Egyptian artifacts depicting cats have been found dating back to around 6,000 years ago. These images often show cats in close proximity to humans, further suggesting a domesticated relationship. The Egyptians revered cats, associating them with the goddess Bastet, and even mummified their beloved pets upon death.
The spread of agriculture played a crucial role in the domestication process. As early human communities settled into agricultural lifestyles, they faced new challenges, particularly the issue of pests that threatened their crops. Cats, with their natural instinct to hunt rodents and other small animals, proved to be invaluable companions. Over time, humans selectively bred cats for desirable traits such as docility and a propensity to work alongside them, solidifying the bond between the two species.
In summary, while the precise year when cats were first domesticated is difficult to pinpoint, the available evidence suggests that this process began around 10,000 years ago. This timeline aligns with significant changes in human society, marking a shift from nomadic lifestyles to settled agriculture and highlighting the essential role that cats played in early human communities.