Tiny Matters How domesticated is a domestic cat? From the wild to ancient Egyptian tombs to now
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Aug 6, 2025 Jonathan Losses, a biology professor and author of The Cat's Meow, dives into the fascinating evolution of domestic cats. He explores how felines transitioned from wild savannahs to the revered status in ancient Egypt, with delightful illustrations from 3,500-year-old tomb paintings showing cats adorned with collars. Losses discusses the genetics behind their domestication, revealing intriguing behavioral differences and the impact of agriculture on feline evolution. He also links cats' dental health through history with modern traits, shedding light on our enduring bond with these charming companions.
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Personal Cat Portrait
- Deboki describes her cat Bastion, noting age, appearance, and picky eating habits.
- She frames Bastion as a modern link to a long feline history that the episode explores.
Cats Were Domestic In Ancient Egypt
- Jonathan Losses notes Egyptian art from 1500 BCE already shows clearly domestic cats with collars and bowls.
- That continuity links ancient domestic life to modern house cats on couches and under tables.
Deep, Conserved Feline Lineage
- Jonathan traces cat ancestry to Proailurus about 30 million years ago and a common ancestor ~14 million years ago.
- Despite divergence, modern cats retain a recognizably conserved feline form across species.
