Whose descendant is the domestic cat? - briefly
The domestic cat (Felis catus) is a descendant of the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica), which was domesticated in the Near East around 10,000 years ago.
Whose descendant is the domestic cat? - in detail
The domestic cat, scientifically known as Felis catus, traces its lineage back to the wildcat species Felis silvestris. This ancestral connection is well-supported by genetic, morphological, and behavioral evidence. The wildcat species Felis silvestris is divided into several subspecies, with the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica) being the most direct ancestor of today’s domestic cats. Genetic studies have revealed that the domestication of cats likely began around 9,000 to 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent, a region encompassing parts of modern-day Middle Eastern countries such as Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. This period coincided with the rise of agriculture, as humans began to store surplus grain, which attracted rodents. Wildcats, in turn, were drawn to these human settlements due to the abundance of prey, leading to a mutually beneficial relationship. Over time, wildcats that were less fearful of humans and exhibited more docile traits were selectively favored, gradually giving rise to the domesticated cat. Archaeological evidence, such as the discovery of a cat buried alongside a human in Cyprus dating back approximately 9,500 years, further supports this timeline and relationship. The domestication process was largely driven by natural selection rather than deliberate human intervention, distinguishing it from the domestication of other animals like dogs or cattle. Despite their domestication, domestic cats retain many traits of their wild ancestors, including their hunting instincts, solitary nature, and physical characteristics. Modern genetic research continues to shed light on the evolutionary journey of domestic cats, confirming their close relationship to Felis silvestris lybica and providing insights into the genetic changes that accompanied their domestication.