When did the cat take hold? - briefly
The exact origins of the phrase "when the cat's away, the mice will play" are uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged in the late 16th century. This idiom reflects the traditional rivalry between cats and mice, symbolizing the idea that when a supervisor or authority figure is absent, subordinates may take advantage of the situation.
When did the cat take hold? - in detail
The precise moment when cats began to domesticate humans is shrouded in history, but archaeological evidence and genetic studies offer intriguing insights into this process. It is believed that the first interactions between wildcats and humans occurred around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent region of the Near East, where agriculture was beginning to flourish.
The domestication of cats likely started as a mutually beneficial relationship. Early farmers stored grain crops in granaries, which attracted rodents and other pests. Wildcats, naturally adept at hunting these pests, were drawn to these food-rich environments. Over time, humans may have tolerated or even encouraged the presence of these wild cats to control pest populations.
Genetic studies on modern cat breeds suggest that all domestic cats (Felis catus) share a common ancestor from the Near Eastern wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica). This indicates a single domestication event, unlike dogs which have multiple origins. The process of domestication probably involved selective breeding by humans over generations, favoring cats with more docile temperaments and other desirable traits.
Archaeological findings support this timeline. In Cyprus, for example, a cat buried alongside a human around 9,500 years ago suggests a close relationship between the two species. Similarly, in Egypt, cats were revered and often mummified, indicating their importance in ancient Egyptian society by around 6,000 years ago.
In summary, while the exact moment when cats took hold as domestic animals is difficult to pinpoint, it is clear that this process began in the Near East approximately 10,000 years ago and was driven by the mutual benefits of pest control and human tolerance. Over time, selective breeding led to the development of the domestic cat we know today.