Who are older, cats or dogs? - briefly
Cats are older than dogs by approximately 5 million years. The first wild cats appeared around 60 million years ago, while the earliest dog-like creatures emerged about 34 million years ago.
Who are older, cats or dogs? - in detail
Determining which species is older between cats and dogs involves delving into the rich tapestry of evolutionary history. Both animals have been integral parts of human civilization for thousands of years, but their origins stretch back much further in time.
The domestic cat (Felis catus) traces its lineage to the African wildcat (Felis lybica), which first appeared around 10,000 years ago. This ancestral species is believed to have been tamed by early agricultural communities in the Fertile Crescent region of the Middle East. Over time, these wildcats were selectively bred for their desirable traits, leading to the development of the modern domestic cat. The process of domestication likely began between 9,000 and 10,000 years ago, as evidenced by archaeological findings in sites such as Cyprus, where cat remains have been discovered alongside human settlements dating back to around 7500 BCE.
In contrast, the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) has a more ancient origin story. The earliest evidence of dog domestication can be traced back to approximately 15,000 years ago in Eurasia. It is believed that dogs were first domesticated from wolves (Canis lupus), with the process occurring independently in different parts of the world. Genetic studies suggest that modern dogs share a common ancestor with the now-extinct wolf population that roamed Eurasia during the last Ice Age. Over time, these early dogs were bred for various purposes, such as hunting, protection, and companionship, leading to the diverse range of breeds we see today.
In summary, while both cats and dogs have been beloved companions to humans for millennia, dogs hold the distinction of being the older domesticated species. The process of dog domestication began approximately 15,000 years ago, making them several thousand years older than their feline counterparts. This historical context not only sheds light on the evolutionary journey of these animals but also underscores their enduring significance in human culture and society.