When were cats born? - briefly
Cats, specifically the domestic cat (Felis catus), are believed to have originated around 9,000 years ago in the Near East, where they began their close relationship with humans.
When were cats born? - in detail
The origins of cats trace back millions of years, with their evolutionary lineage deeply rooted in the history of mammals. The earliest ancestors of modern cats, known as the Miacids, appeared approximately 60 million years ago during the Paleocene epoch. These small, tree-dwelling carnivores were not true cats but rather primitive carnivorous mammals that eventually gave rise to a diverse array of species, including the ancestors of modern felines. The first true members of the cat family, Felidae, emerged around 25 million years ago during the Oligocene epoch. These early felids, such as Proailurus, were small, agile predators that laid the foundation for the evolution of the diverse cat species we know today. Over millions of years, felids diversified and adapted to various environments, leading to the emergence of iconic species like the saber-toothed cats, which thrived during the Pleistocene epoch. The domestication of cats began much later, around 9,000 to 10,000 years ago, in the Near East, where wildcats (Felis silvestris lybica) formed a mutually beneficial relationship with early agricultural societies. These wildcats were attracted to human settlements due to the abundance of rodents, and over time, they were gradually domesticated, giving rise to the domestic cat (Felis catus). The evolutionary journey of cats is a testament to their adaptability and resilience, spanning millions of years and shaping their role as both wild predators and beloved companions in human history.