When did the first domestic cats appear? - briefly
The earliest evidence of cat domestication dates back to around 7000 BC in the Near East. This is based on archaeological findings that show cats living alongside humans during the Neolithic era.
When did the first domestic cats appear? - in detail
The origin of domestic cats is a fascinating topic that has been explored through various scientific disciplines, including genetics and archaeology. The exact timing of when the first domestic cats appeared is still a subject of debate among experts, but there are several key pieces of evidence that help us understand their evolution from wild ancestors to beloved companions.
It is widely accepted that the ancestor of the modern domestic cat is the African wildcat (Felis lybica), which continues to inhabit parts of Africa and the Middle East. The process of domestication likely began around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent region, an area that includes modern-day Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, and Iraq. This region was home to some of the earliest human civilizations, which were largely agricultural and settled.
Archaeological evidence suggests that early humans may have started keeping cats for practical reasons, such as pest control. Cats are highly effective at hunting rodents and other small animals that could damage crops and stored grain. As humans began to cultivate grains and settle into more permanent communities, they would have attracted these pests, creating an ideal environment for the early domestication of cats.
One of the earliest known examples of a cat living among humans comes from the island of Cyprus. In 2004, archaeologists discovered the remains of a cat buried alongside a human in a Neolithic grave dating back to around 9,500 years ago. This discovery provides some of the first concrete evidence that cats were not only living near humans but also had a significant relationship with them.
Genetic studies have further supported the idea that cats were domesticated around this time. By analyzing the DNA of modern domestic cats and comparing it to their wild ancestors, scientists have been able to trace the evolutionary timeline. These analyses suggest that the split between African wildcats and domestic cats occurred approximately 10,000 years ago, which aligns with the archaeological findings.
In summary, while the precise moment when the first domestic cat appeared is difficult to pinpoint, it is clear that the process of domestication began around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent region. Through their prowess as hunters and their ability to coexist with humans, cats transitioned from wild animals to valued companions, a role they continue to play in households worldwide today.