When did cats appear on Earth? - briefly
Cats first appeared on Earth approximately 7 million years ago. The exact timeline of their evolution is still a subject of ongoing research and debate among scientists.
When did cats appear on Earth? - in detail
The origins of cats, as we know them today, can be traced back millions of years in the annals of Earth's evolutionary history. The progenitor of modern felines is believed to be a small, civet-like creature known as Proailurus, which lived approximately 20 million years ago during the Miocene epoch. This ancestral species inhabited the dense forests and woodlands of Europe and Asia, where it likely preyed on small mammals and birds.
Over time, evolutionary pressures shaped these early felines into more agile and efficient hunters. One notable branch in this evolutionary tree is Felis lybica, a species that emerged around 2 million years ago. Often referred to as the African wildcat or jungle cat, Felis lybica exhibited many of the characteristics we associate with modern domestic cats, including a slender build, retractable claws, and keen hunting instincts. This species is believed to have been the first feline to exhibit semi-domestication, as it was drawn to human settlements by the abundance of prey such as rodents.
The transition from wildcat to fully domesticated cat occurred around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent region of the Middle East. As early humans shifted from a nomadic lifestyle to settled agriculture, they began to cultivate grains and store them in granaries. This practice attracted pests like mice and rats, which in turn drew Felis lybica into human settlements. Over generations, these wildcats adapted to living alongside humans, becoming more tame and sociable.
Archaeological evidence supports this narrative of cat domestication. For instance, a grave site on the island of Cyprus dating back to around 9,500 years ago contains the remains of a human buried with a cat, suggesting a close bond between the two species even at that early stage. Additionally, ancient Egyptian art and literature are replete with depictions and references to cats, indicating their significant role in society by at least 6,000 years ago.
In summary, while the exact timeline of cat evolution is subject to ongoing scientific debate, it is clear that cats have been present on Earth for millions of years. The process of domestication began around 2 million years ago with Felis lybica, and by approximately 10,000 years ago, cats had become fully integrated into human societies as beloved companions and efficient pest controllers.