Who are cats descended from? - briefly
Cats are descended from the African wildcat (Felis lybica) and the jungle cat (Felis chaus). This lineage is supported by both genetic and fossil evidence.
Who are cats descended from? - in detail
Cats, as we know them today, are descended from a species known as Felis silvestris lybica, which is commonly referred to as the African wildcat or the Near Eastern wildcat. This ancestor of domestic cats originated in the Fertile Crescent region, an area that encompasses parts of modern-day Iraq, Syria, Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan. The domestication process began around 10,000 years ago when early agricultural communities started to settle in this region.
The African wildcat is a small-sized feline with a slender body, similar to the domestic cat we are familiar with. It is believed that humans initially kept these wildcats for their ability to control pests and rodents, which posed a significant threat to stored grain and crops. Over time, a mutually beneficial relationship developed between humans and these wildcats, leading to their domestication.
Genetic studies have confirmed the close relationship between domestic cats and African wildcats. Researchers have found that the DNA of modern domestic cats is highly similar to that of Felis silvestris lybica. This genetic closeness indicates that domestic cats are direct descendants of this particular subspecies of wildcat.
It is also worth noting that while the African wildcat is considered the primary ancestor, other wildcat species may have contributed to the genetic diversity of domestic cats through interbreeding. For example, the European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) and the Asiatic wildcat (Felis silvestris ornata) are known to have hybridized with domestic cats in certain regions.
In summary, cats as we know them today are primarily descended from the African wildcat, Felis silvestris lybica. The process of domestication began in the Fertile Crescent region around 10,000 years ago, driven by the mutual benefits of pest control and companionship. Genetic evidence supports this lineage, confirming that domestic cats are direct descendants of their wildcat ancestors.