When did cats start living with humans? - briefly
The exact timing of when cats began living with humans is uncertain, but it's believed to have occurred around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent region. This cohabitation likely started as a mutually beneficial relationship, with cats providing pest control and companionship.
When did cats start living with humans? - in detail
The exact timeline of when cats began living with humans is challenging to pinpoint due to the lack of written records from that era. However, archaeological evidence and genetic studies provide valuable insights into this intriguing relationship.
One of the earliest indications of a bond between cats and humans comes from ancient Egypt, around 4000 BCE. Cats were revered in Egyptian culture, as they played a crucial role in pest control by hunting rodents that threatened grain storage. This symbiotic relationship likely began earlier than the archaeological records suggest, possibly with the dawn of agriculture. As humans started cultivating crops and storing food, they attracted pests like mice and rats. Cats, being natural predators of these rodents, would have been drawn to human settlements for the abundant prey.
Genetic studies support this hypothesis. A 2007 study published in the journal "Science" analyzed the DNA of wild cats and domestic cats from various regions. The results indicated that all domestic cat breeds originated from a single subspecies, Felis silvestris lybica, which still inhabits parts of Africa and the Middle East today. This subspecies is believed to have started associating with humans around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent region (modern-day Iraq).
The transition from wild cats to domestic pets was likely a gradual process. Over time, cats that were more comfortable around humans and less aggressive would have had an advantage in accessing food and shelter. This selective pressure led to the domestication of cats, with the earliest known evidence of deliberate cat burials dating back to around 5300 BCE in Cyprus.
In summary, while the exact timeline remains elusive, it is believed that cats began living with humans approximately 10,000 years ago, initially drawn by the abundance of prey in agricultural settlements. The relationship has evolved over millennia, from pest control partners to beloved companions in homes worldwide.