Everything Everywhere Daily The Domestication of Cats (Encore)
Jun 21, 2024
Explore the origins of domestic cats, including their relationship with humans and hunting behaviors. Learn about the cultural significance of cats and how they have been selectively bred and domesticated over time. Discover the impact of domesticated cats on wildlife populations worldwide.
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Wildcat Origins
- Domestic cats originated from the wildcat, specifically the African and European wildcat species.
- These wildcats look similar to domesticated cats and are found across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Cat Domestication vs. Dog Domestication
- Unlike dogs, cats weren't actively domesticated by humans for specific tasks.
- Their relationship with humans began as a symbiotic partnership on farms, where cats hunted pests.
Early Human-Cat Interaction
- DNA evidence suggests domestic cats descend from Felis sylvestris lybica, found in North Africa and the Middle East.
- A 9,500-year-old grave in Cyprus, with a cat buried near a human, suggests early human-cat interaction.