When did cats appear with people? - briefly
Cats began living alongside humans around 9,000 years ago, when they were domesticated in the Near East to help control pests in early agricultural settlements.
When did cats appear with people? - in detail
The domestication of cats began approximately 10,000 years ago during the Neolithic Revolution, when humans transitioned from nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyles to settled agricultural communities. This shift created environments where grain storage attracted rodents, which in turn drew wild cats to human settlements. The mutually beneficial relationship that emerged allowed cats to access a steady food source, while humans benefited from the cats' natural ability to control pest populations. Genetic and archaeological evidence suggests that the Near Eastern wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica) is the primary ancestor of the domestic cat (Felis catus). The earliest concrete evidence of this relationship comes from a 9,500-year-old burial site in Cyprus, where a cat was found buried alongside a human, indicating a significant bond between the species. In ancient Egypt, cats were revered and domesticated more extensively around 4,000 years ago, becoming symbols of protection and fertility. Their role in Egyptian society further cemented their place alongside humans. Over millennia, cats spread across the globe through trade and exploration, adapting to various cultures and environments. Unlike other domesticated animals, cats have retained much of their independence and hunting instincts, which has allowed them to coexist with humans on their own terms. This unique dynamic has made cats one of the most enduring and widespread companions in human history.