Where is the first cat believed to have originated? - briefly
The first domesticated cat is believed to have originated in the Near East around 7500 BCE, specifically in the Fertile Crescent region.
Where is the first cat believed to have originated? - in detail
The first domesticated cat is believed to have originated in the Near East, specifically in the Fertile Crescent region, around 9,000 to 10,000 years ago. This area, encompassing parts of modern-day Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Iran, was a cradle of early human civilization and agriculture. The domestication of cats is closely tied to the development of agrarian societies. As humans began to store surplus grain, they inadvertently attracted rodents, which in turn drew wildcats to these settlements. The mutually beneficial relationship between humans and cats began to evolve, as cats helped control the rodent population, and humans provided a steady source of food and shelter.
The African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica), a subspecies of the wildcat, is considered the primary ancestor of the domestic cat (Felis catus). Genetic studies have shown that modern domestic cats share a significant portion of their DNA with the African wildcat, particularly those from the Near East. Archaeological evidence, such as cat remains found in human settlements and depictions of cats in ancient art, further supports this theory. For example, a cat buried alongside a human in a 9,500-year-old grave in Cyprus suggests an early bond between the two species.
The domestication process was gradual and likely involved multiple generations of wildcats becoming more tolerant of human presence. Unlike other domesticated animals, cats retained much of their independence, which allowed them to adapt to various environments alongside humans. From the Near East, domesticated cats spread to other regions, including Europe, Asia, and Africa, often accompanying traders, explorers, and settlers. Over time, they became integral to human societies, serving as both practical pest controllers and beloved companions.