Who created cats? - briefly
Cats were not created by any single entity but rather evolved over millions of years through natural selection. The species that would become the domestic cat, Felis catus, originated from the African wildcat, Felis lybica, around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent region.
Who created cats? - in detail
The origins of domestic cats (Felis catus) are shrouded in mystery, but scientists generally agree that they were first domesticated around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent region of the Near East. This process likely began as a result of human settlements and the development of agriculture.
The earliest evidence of cat domestication comes from Cyprus, where archaeologists discovered cat remains buried alongside humans around 9,500 years ago. This suggests that cats were valued companions to early farmers, possibly due to their ability to control pests such as rodents and snakes that threatened grain stores.
Genetic studies have further illuminated the origins of domestic cats. Researchers have identified five distinct maternal lineages among modern cat breeds, indicating multiple domestication events. These lineages can be traced back to wildcat species found in various regions of Africa and Asia. For example, the African wildcat (Felis lybica) is considered the primary ancestor of most domestic cats today.
The process of cat domestication was likely driven by both natural selection and human intervention. Cats that exhibited tameness and were more tolerant of humans would have had a survival advantage in early agricultural communities. Over time, these traits became increasingly prevalent among cat populations.
In addition to their role as pest control agents, cats also played an important part in ancient Egyptian culture. They were often depicted in art and literature, and some were even mummified upon death, indicating a high level of reverence. This further cemented the bond between humans and cats, contributing to their widespread domestication.
In summary, while the exact details of who created domestic cats remain uncertain, it is clear that the process involved multiple lineages and was driven by both human need and natural selection. Today's domestic cats are a testament to this complex evolutionary history.