Who was tamed first, a cat or a dog? - briefly
The cat was likely domesticated before the dog. Evidence suggests that wild cats began associating with human settlements around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent region, while dogs were first domesticated approximately 15,000 to 40,000 years ago.
Who was tamed first, a cat or a dog? - in detail
The question of which species was domesticated first, cats or dogs, has long intrigued scientists and historians alike. To address this query, it is essential to delve into the historical and archaeological evidence that provides insights into the early relationships between humans and these animals.
Cats were first domesticated in the Near East around 10,000 years ago. The process of cat domestication likely began when early farmers started storing grains. Wild cats, attracted by the presence of rodents that fed on the stored grain, would have found these settlements to be a reliable source of food. Over time, humans may have encouraged these wild cats to stay near their dwellings to control pests, marking the beginning of a mutually beneficial relationship.
Archaeological evidence supports this timeline. The earliest known remains of a domestic cat were discovered in Cyprus and date back to approximately 9,500 years ago. These ancient cats were similar in size to modern domestic cats, indicating that they had already undergone some level of domestication. Additionally, the presence of cat bones alongside human settlements suggests a close association between the two species.
On the other hand, dogs were domesticated even earlier than cats. The process of dog domestication is believed to have begun around 15,000 years ago in Eurasia. It is thought that wolves, the ancestors of modern dogs, were first attracted to human campsites by the abundance of food scraps and waste. Over time, humans may have selectively bred these wolves for desirable traits such as docility and usefulness in hunting or guarding.
The earliest evidence of dog domestication comes from a site in Bonn-Oberkassel, Germany, where the remains of a 14,700-year-old dog were found. This ancient canine exhibited physical characteristics that distinguish it from its wild wolf ancestors, indicating that the process of domestication was already well underway by this time.
In summary, while cats and dogs have both been important companions to humans for thousands of years, the archaeological record shows that dogs were domesticated first. The earliest evidence of dog domestication predates that of cats by several thousand years, providing a clear timeline of when these species began their journey from wild animals to beloved pets.