Whose prototype are the cats? - briefly
Cats are believed to have evolved from small wildcats known as Felis silvestris lybica, which were likely domesticated by early farmers around 10,000 years ago in the Near East.
Whose prototype are the cats? - in detail
Cats, as we know them today, are descendants of the African wildcat (Felis lybica), which serves as their evolutionary prototype. This small, agile feline is native to the deserts and savannas of Africa and the Middle East. The African wildcat is believed to have first domesticated around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent region, an area encompassing modern-day Iraq, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, and Syria.
The domestication process likely began when early farmers attracted wildcats to their settlements by leaving out food scraps and other enticements. Over time, these cats became more accustomed to human presence and started to exhibit traits that made them useful to humans, such as pest control and companionship. As a result of selective breeding and genetic drift, these early domestic cats evolved into the diverse array of feline breeds we see today.
Despite their long history of domestication, cats retain many behaviors and physical characteristics that are reminiscent of their wild ancestor. For instance, they maintain a strong hunting instinct, even in well-fed indoor environments, and can still be found living independently in urban areas. Furthermore, cats continue to exhibit solitary behavior, reflecting the African wildcat's preference for living alone except during mating season or when raising kittens.
In conclusion, the African wildcat is the prototype from which modern domestic cats have evolved. The process of domestication began thousands of years ago and has resulted in a wide variety of cat breeds that share many traits with their ancestral progenitor.