Where did cats appear? - briefly
Cats first appeared in Africa around 10,000 years ago. They were initially domesticated from the African wildcat (Felis lybica) and spread across the world through human migration and trade routes.
Where did cats appear? - in detail
Cats, as we know them today, are believed to have originated in the Fertile Crescent region of the Middle East around 10,000 years ago. This area, which includes parts of modern-day Iraq, Egypt, and Turkey, was a cradle of civilization and agricultural development. The domestication of cats is thought to have begun when early farmers started cultivating grains such as wheat and barley. These crops attracted wild rodents and other small mammals that fed on the stored grain, posing a significant threat to the farmers' harvests.
To combat this problem, humans likely encouraged the presence of wild cats in their settlements. These wild cats, which were drawn to the abundance of prey, provided an effective means of pest control. Over time, these cats adapted to living alongside humans, and a mutually beneficial relationship developed. The process of domestication involved selective breeding for traits such as tameness, reduced aggression, and increased sociability towards humans.
Genetic evidence supports this hypothesis. Studies have shown that the domestic cat (Felis catus) is most closely related to the African wildcat (Felis lybica), which still inhabits parts of the Middle East and North Africa. The DNA of modern domestic cats contains a high proportion of genes from the African wildcat, indicating that this species played a crucial role in their domestication.
The spread of domestic cats across the world can be traced through archaeological findings and historical records. Cats were revered in ancient Egypt, where they were often depicted in art and associated with goddesses such as Bastet. This culture of veneration likely contributed to the dissemination of cats throughout the Mediterranean region. By the time of the Roman Empire, cats had become common companions across Europe.
In addition to their role as pest controllers, cats also provided comfort and companionship to humans. Their ability to adapt to various environments and climates facilitated their global distribution. Today, cats are found in almost every corner of the world, from rural farms to urban apartments, continuing the ancient relationship that began in the fertile lands of the Middle East.