The Origin of Cats
Cats clawed their way into our hearts thousands of years ago. Since being worshipped in Egypt around 3,600 years ago, domestic cats (also known as Felis catus) are common household ‘fur-riends’ that have found a mutual love for humans.
But where did they come from? Were the Egyptians the first people to domesticate cats? Many of our questions are yet to be answered, but scientists have made their best guesses. Let’s discuss the origins of cats; from their mysterious origins to their current place in our hearts and our homes.
The history of cats
Domestic cats fall into the ‘Felidae’ family, which can be split into three genera:
Panthera (lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars etc.)
Acinonyx (cheetah)
Felis (‘small’ cats)
Felis catus is the most recently evolved species within the Felidae family. Unlike other domesticated creatures, cats have historically contributed little to human survival, so scientists and researchers have often wondered how and why cats came to live amongst people.
All cats evolved as apex predators making them excellent hunters, attributed to their keen senses of hearing, sight and smell. Felidae is the highest-developed, carnivorous (meat-eating) hunter of all mammals. Cats are generally solitary animals (excluding lions), able to hunt and fend for themselves in the wild. They’re territorial, marking out their territory mainly via scent.
Felis catus and humans
Cats and humans have co-existed for a long time, which we know thanks to fossil records from early human settlements.
We used to think cats were first domesticated in Egypt around 3,600 years ago. However, recent evidence shows us that cats were likely first tamed around 10,000 years ago in Middle East in the Fertile Crescent.
These humans created the perfect environment for cats. Their rubbish attracted not only cats to the area, but also the common house mouse. These factors combined made for an enticing invitation for cats; they had their prey sorted, as well as food scraps left by humans.
Fast forward thousands of years and cats eventually evolved into what we know them to be today. Pets, stray and feral cats are all the same species, known as Felis catus.
Are cats really domesticated?
We refer to our ‘paw-some’ friends as domesticated cats, but are they domesticated? Well, not really.
Humans didn’t domesticate cats in the same way we domesticated dogs. True domestication only really applies to pedigree cats, which form a very small portion of cats in the world.
However, many cats live completely indoors thanks to innovations such as kitty litter, cat food, and spaying and neutering. Their role in our society and our homes has evolved, but biologically, cats are still the same as they were thousands of years ago. Isn’t that cool?
Fun facts about cats
Speaking of cool, let’s go over some fun facts about cats you probably didn’t know:
Cats became an ‘official deity’ in Egypt around 2,900 years ago, where they were worshipped, mummified, and even dressed in golden jewellery to show off their high-class status.
Domestic cats’ DNA is almost identical to Felix sylvestris lybica, so scientists think domestic cats evolved from this species. Felix sylvestris lybica still exists today, looking similar to domestic tabby cats and living across the savanna.
Around 2,000 years ago, Egypt became a part of the Roman Empire. Cats were introduced to the Romans and became truly widespread in Europe around 4 AD.
Cats can survive on a very low water intake and tolerate extremes of heat.
Why we love cats
While they aren’t considered to be man’s best friend, there are lots of reasons people choose to have cats as pets.
Unlike dogs which require lots of attention and care, they are lower maintenance. No need to wash your cat or walk them outside (unless you choose to!) - they will take care of themselves.
Despite their reputation for being aloof and moody, cats can be very affectionate with their owners.
Studies have shown that owning a cat can reduce stress, anxiety, and even lower blood pressure.
They are great companions for people who live alone or have a busy schedule.
Paw-fect Points
Domestic cats fall into the ‘Felidae’ family
Cats and humans have co-existed as far back as 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent, located in the Middle East
Unlike dogs, most cats aren’t really ‘domesticated’