When was the domestic cat? - briefly
The domestic cat (Felis catus) is believed to have been domesticated around 9,000 years ago in the Near East, primarily for pest control in early agricultural societies.
When was the domestic cat? - in detail
The domestic cat, scientifically known as Felis catus, has a long and intricate history intertwined with human civilization. Its domestication is believed to have begun around 9,000 to 10,000 years ago, coinciding with the advent of agriculture in the Fertile Crescent, a region encompassing parts of modern-day Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan. As humans transitioned from nomadic lifestyles to settled agricultural communities, they began storing surplus grains, which attracted rodents. Wildcats, particularly the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica), were drawn to these settlements in search of prey. Over time, a mutually beneficial relationship developed: cats provided pest control, while humans offered a consistent food source and shelter.
Genetic evidence suggests that the domestication of cats likely occurred in multiple regions, with the Near East being the primary center. Unlike other domesticated animals, cats underwent a less intensive domestication process, retaining many of their wild traits. This is partly because their primary role—hunting pests—did not require significant behavioral or physical changes. Early farmers likely tolerated and encouraged the presence of these wildcats, leading to a gradual process of taming rather than deliberate breeding.
The first definitive evidence of a close relationship between humans and cats dates back to around 7,500–7,200 years ago in Cyprus, where a cat was buried alongside a human, indicating a significant bond. In ancient Egypt, cats became highly revered and were associated with deities such as Bastet, the goddess of home, fertility, and protection. By 3,000 BCE, cats were fully integrated into Egyptian society, often depicted in art and even mummified alongside their owners.
The spread of domestic cats across the globe occurred through trade and exploration. Phoenician, Greek, and Roman traders carried cats on their ships to control rodents, facilitating their dispersal throughout Europe, Asia, and eventually the Americas. By the Middle Ages, cats were common in European households, though they also faced persecution during periods of superstition, such as the witch hunts of the 16th and 17th centuries.
Today, the domestic cat is one of the most popular pets worldwide, with hundreds of breeds developed through selective breeding. Its evolutionary journey from solitary hunter to cherished companion reflects a unique and enduring relationship with humans, shaped by both natural selection and cultural influence.