Who was bred to create a cat? - briefly
Cats were domesticated from wild ancestors, primarily the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica), through selective breeding by early agricultural societies to control pests and for companionship.
Who was bred to create a cat? - in detail
The domestication and breeding of cats trace back to ancient civilizations, where their roles as pest controllers and companions were highly valued. The modern domestic cat, Felis catus, is believed to have descended from the African wildcat, Felis silvestris lybica, which was native to the Near East around 10,000 years ago. Early agricultural societies in regions such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Levant began to cultivate crops, which attracted rodents. Wildcats, naturally adept hunters, were drawn to these settlements, leading to a mutually beneficial relationship. Over time, humans selectively bred these wildcats for traits such as tameness, adaptability, and physical characteristics, gradually transforming them into the domesticated cats we recognize today. Ancient Egyptians played a significant role in this process, as they revered cats for their hunting skills and symbolic importance, often depicting them in art and mythology. Through centuries of selective breeding and natural adaptation, cats evolved into the diverse breeds we see today, each with unique traits shaped by human preferences and environmental factors. This process was not driven by a single individual or group but rather by a collective effort across cultures and time periods, resulting in the domesticated cat as a beloved companion worldwide.