When was the cat wild? - briefly
The domestic cat (Felis catus) was first domesticated from the African wildcat (Felis lybica) around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent region of the Near East. This process likely began as humans started to cultivate crops and store grain, attracting wildcats that were then selectively bred for their hunting skills and companionship.
When was the cat wild? - in detail
The domestic cat, as we know it today, has undergone significant evolutionary changes over thousands of years. To understand when cats were truly wild, we must delve into their ancestral history and the process of domestication.
Cats belong to the Felidae family, which includes all living and extinct species in the cat lineage. The earliest known felid species date back to the Miocene epoch, approximately 23 million years ago. These early cats were diverse and varied greatly in size and habitat preferences, ranging from small, insectivorous species to large, formidable predators.
The direct ancestor of the domestic cat is believed to be the African wildcat (Felis lybica), which still roams parts of Africa and the Middle East today. The African wildcat exhibits many characteristics similar to modern domestic cats, including a slender body, retractable claws, and solitary hunting behavior. Genetic studies have shown that all domestic cat breeds can be traced back to this ancestral species.
The domestication of the cat is thought to have begun around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent region of the Middle East. This process likely occurred as a result of human agricultural practices. As humans began to cultivate crops and store grain, they inadvertently created ideal habitats for rodents and other small pests. The African wildcats, drawn to these abundant food sources, would have been attracted to human settlements. Over time, some of these wildcats adapted to living among humans, eventually leading to the selective breeding and domestication of cats.
The earliest archaeological evidence of cat domestication comes from sites in Cyprus, dating back to around 9,500 years ago. These findings include cat remains buried alongside human skeletons, indicating a close relationship between humans and cats during this period. Additionally, ancient Egyptian art and literature provide some of the earliest depictions of domestic cats, with evidence suggesting that cats were revered and often mummified in ancient Egypt around 4,000 years ago.
In summary, while the African wildcat (Felis lybica) is considered the direct ancestor of the domestic cat, the process of domestication began approximately 10,000 years ago in the Middle East. The earliest archaeological evidence of cat domestication dates back to around 9,500 years ago, with further indications from ancient Egyptian records showing that cats were already well-integrated into human societies by 4,000 years ago.