When do cats come? - briefly
Cats, scientifically known as Felis catus, have been domesticated for thousands of years. They first appeared in human settlements around 10,000 years ago, likely drawn by the presence of rodents attracted to early agricultural societies. While most cats today are domestic, their ancestors were likely the African Wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica). The process of domestication was gradual, with cats initially coexisting with humans and later becoming integral to many cultures. The earliest evidence of cat domestication comes from Cyprus, where a cat was buried alongside a human around 9,500 years ago. This suggests that cats were not only tolerated but also valued by early human societies. Over time, cats have been revered, hunted, and kept as pets, reflecting their adaptability and the diverse ways humans have interacted with them. The timeline of cat domestication is marked by various milestones, including their depiction in ancient Egyptian art and their spread across the globe alongside human migrations. Today, cats are one of the most popular pets worldwide, valued for their companionship and independence.
When do cats come? - in detail
Cats have been domesticated and have lived alongside humans for thousands of years, but their exact origins and the timeline of their domestication are subjects of ongoing scientific research. The process of cat domestication is believed to have begun around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent, a region that includes parts of modern-day Middle East. This period coincides with the agricultural revolution, when humans started to settle and form permanent communities.
The relationship between humans and cats likely started with mutual benefit. Early human settlements attracted rodents, which in turn attracted wild cats. These wild cats, likely ancestors of the modern-day Felis catus, found a steady food source in the rodents and began to habituate to human presence. Over time, this proximity led to a form of mutualism, where cats benefited from the food supply and humans benefited from pest control.
The first evidence of cat domestication comes from a burial site in Cyprus dating back to around 9,500 years ago. This site included the remains of a cat buried alongside a human, suggesting a close relationship between the two species. Genetic studies have further supported the idea that domestication occurred in the Middle East, with the Near Eastern wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica) being the primary ancestor of today's domestic cats.
As agriculture spread from the Fertile Crescent to other parts of the world, cats likely accompanied human migrations. Their presence in ancient Egyptian culture, around 4,000 years ago, is well-documented. Egyptians revered cats, often depicting them in art and mummifying them for the afterlife. This period marked a significant shift in the human-cat relationship, from practical companions to symbols of divinity and protection.
By the time of the Roman Empire, cats were widespread throughout Europe and North Africa. They were valued for their hunting skills and were often kept in homes and on farms. The spread of cats continued with the expansion of trade routes, particularly those established by maritime powers like the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans. Cats were essential for controlling rodent populations on ships, further aiding their global dispersal.
The Middle Ages saw a decline in the popularity of cats in Europe, largely due to superstitions and associations with witchcraft. However, cats remained common in rural areas where their pest-control abilities were crucial. It was not until the 17th century that cats began to regain their popularity, particularly among the elite who kept them as pets.
In the modern era, cats have become one of the most popular pets worldwide. Their domestication is a complex process that involved natural selection, artificial selection, and cultural influences. Today, cats are found in virtually every corner of the globe, living in diverse environments and forming deep bonds with their human companions. The timeline of cat domestication is a testament to the adaptability and resilience of these fascinating animals, as well as the enduring bond between humans and their feline friends.