Linking cat domestication to ancient cult sacrifices, and watching aurorae wander

The Origins of Cat Domestication

New research suggests that while ancient Egypt has long been regarded as the birthplace of domestic cats, evidence indicates that their domestication may have occurred earlier in the Mediterranean region. Studies have revealed the burial site of a human and a cat in Cyprus, dating back about 9,500 years, which predates ancient Egyptian civilization. This has led to theories that cats began to self-domesticate by following early farmers who stored grain and attracted rodents, benefiting from the relationship. However, recent genetic analyses show that the cats associated with the Cyprus find are not direct ancestors of modern house cats, leading researchers to reaffirm Egypt's significance in the domestication timeline, particularly through the large-scale breeding practices tied to the cult of Bastet.