When did cats appear? (Year)? - briefly
Cats first appeared approximately 10 million years ago. The exact year is uncertain due to the evolutionary process and lack of specific fossil records from that time period.
When did cats appear? (Year)? - in detail
The precise origin of domestic cats is shrouded in the mists of prehistory, but scientists have made significant strides in understanding their evolutionary journey. The earliest evidence of cat domestication dates back approximately 10,000 years ago, during the Neolithic period.
Archaeological findings from Cyprus and other Mediterranean regions suggest that cats were first drawn to human settlements by abundant rodent populations. Over time, these early interactions led to a mutually beneficial relationship where humans provided food and shelter, while cats offered pest control services. Genetic studies support this theory, indicating that the domestic cat (Felis catus) descended from the African wildcat (Felis lybica), with the domestication process beginning around 10,000 years ago.
As human societies evolved and expanded, so did the geographical distribution of cats. By around 6000 BCE, cats were present in ancient Egypt, where they became revered animals, often mummified alongside their owners. The cat's importance in Egyptian culture is evident in various artifacts and writings from that period.
In summary, while the exact date of domestic cat appearance remains elusive, robust evidence points to a domestication process beginning around 10,000 years ago. This transformation occurred as early human societies settled into agricultural lifestyles, creating ideal conditions for the development of a symbiotic relationship between humans and cats.