Stuff To Blow Your Mind Cats of Cyprus
Aug 7, 2025
Discover the surprising history of domesticated cats on Cyprus, which may predate ancient Egypt. Explore the fascinating tales of St. Nicholas of the Cats and how humans initially engaged with felines for pest control. Learn about the evolution of companionship between cats and humans and the unique role of the Cypriot cat breed. Delight in whimsical legends connecting cats to snake infestations, along with the cultural impact of these stories throughout history.
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Origins of Domestic Cats
- Domestic cats descend from North African and Southwest Asian wildcats, specifically Felis sylvestris libica.
- There were two domestication waves: initially in the Fertile Crescent, later accelerating in ancient Egypt.
Cyprus Cat-Human Burial Insight
- The 9,500-year-old cat skeleton buried next to a human on Cyprus suggests early domestication.
- The deliberate burial shows cats had special status among Neolithic humans on the island.
Cats Brought to Cyprus by Humans
- Cyprus had no native wildcats before humans arrived and brought cats intentionally by boat.
- This suggests humans valued cats enough to transport them to new lands for pest control or other uses.
