Where and when did cats appear? - briefly
Cats first appeared in the Middle East around 10,000 years ago. They were initially domesticated by early agricultural societies for pest control.
Where and when did cats appear? - in detail
The origins of domestic cats can be traced back to around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent region of the Middle East. This area, now encompassing parts of modern-day Iraq, Egypt, and Turkey, was one of the earliest centers of agricultural development. As humans began to cultivate crops and domesticate livestock, they inadvertently created an ideal environment for wild cats to thrive alongside them.
The primary progenitor of today's domestic cat is believed to be the African Wildcat (Felis lybica), a small, agile species native to the deserts and savannas of Africa and the Middle East. These wildcats were attracted to human settlements by the abundance of rodents and other small prey that fed on stored grain. Over time, humans likely began to tolerate and even encourage these feline visitors due to their effectiveness in controlling pests.
The shift from wildcat to domestic cat is thought to have occurred gradually over thousands of years. As cats became more accustomed to human presence, they underwent a process of self-domestication, with individuals exhibiting tamer traits being more likely to survive and reproduce. This natural selection led to the emergence of distinct physical characteristics and behaviors that differentiate domestic cats from their wild ancestors.
By around 4000 BC, cat remains have been found in human graves and settlements throughout the Middle East, indicating that they had become fully integrated into human societies. The Egyptians are often credited with being among the first to formally domesticate cats, as evidenced by numerous artifacts depicting cats in various contexts, including religious iconography. The Cat of Bubastis, a feline deity associated with fertility and motherhood, was particularly revered during this period.
From Egypt, domestic cats spread to other parts of the world through trade routes and human migration. By the time of the Roman Empire, cats were common in Europe, where they continued to serve as effective pest control agents. During the Middle Ages, cats faced persecution due to their association with witchcraft and paganism, but they eventually regained favor and became beloved household pets.
Today, domestic cats are found on every continent except Antarctica, existing in a wide range of environments from urban apartments to remote wilderness areas. Their remarkable adaptability and resilience have enabled them to thrive alongside humans for millennia, cementing their status as one of the most successful examples of animal domestication.