They have lived among us, but it wasn't until very recently that we began to change them. Since it seemed highly unlikely that humans would have brought wild cats over to the island (a "spitting, scratching, panic-stricken wild feline would have been the last kind of boat companion they would have wanted," writes Desmond Morris in Catworld: A Feline Encyclopedia), the finding suggested that domestication occurred before 8,000 years ago. Egyptians were not the only societies that worshipped cats. "We think what happened is that the cats sort of domesticated themselves," Carlos Driscoll, one of the study authors, told the Washington Post. Get a quote for your cat now. All domestic cats, the authors declared, descended from a Middle Eastern wildcat, Felis sylvestris, which literally means "cat of the woods." For cats, conventional wisdom—and compelling evidence—puts domestication at around 4,000 years ago, when cats were depicted cavorting with their Egyptian masters in wall paintings. Terms of Use Cats are "domesticated" because humans enjoy having them around, and the cats are just responsive enough to their "masters" to allow the humans to have affection for them. With grain stores came mice, and when the first wild cats wandered into town, the stage was set for what the Science study authors call "one of the more successful 'biological experiments' ever undertaken." Complete Coverage℠ reimbursements are based on the invoice. While 12,000 years ago might seem a bold estimate—nearly 3,000 before the date of the Cyprus tomb's cat—it actually is a perfectly logical one, since that is precisely when the first agricultural societies began to flourish in the Middle East's Fertile Crescent. Products are underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, produced and administered by C&F Insurance Agency, Inc. (NPN # 3974227), a Crum & Forster company. Preventive and Wellness Care reimbursements are based on a schedule. This is a very logical estimate because the first agricultural practices began in the Middle East around that time. For some reason, however, cats came to be demonized in Europe during the Middle Ages. While this makes for a sweet story, it doesn't synch up with what really happened. On any of the surprising number of Web sites dedicated entirely to wisdom about cats, one will find quotations like these: "As every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat" (attributed to Ellen Perry Berkeley); "The phrase 'domestic cat' is an oxymoron" (attributed to George F. Will); and "A dog is a man's best friend. If cats were totally independent of humans, paying human wishes no attention, … Levels 1-4 reimbursements are based on usual and customary eligible costs. When humans were predominantly hunters, dogs were of great use, and thus were domesticated long before cats. In 2004, the unearthing of an even older site at Cyprus, in which a cat had been deliberately buried with a human, made it even more certain that the island's ancient cats were domesticated, and pushed the domestication date back at least another 1,500 years. They also worshipped a feline deity named Bastet who was the goddess of family, love, and fertility. Not until the 1600s did the public image of cats begin to rally in the West. The cats invited themselves in, and over time, as people favored cats with more docile traits, certain cats adapted to this new environment, producing the dozens of breeds of house cats known today. The oldest archaeological evidence for domesticated cats has been found on the Greek island of Cyprus, where several animal species including cats were introduced by 7500 BC. It's a question that scientists have been asking, too. Like wildcats, they need protein from meat to thrive. This study showed that all domestic cats descended from a Middle Eastern wildcat, felis sylvestris, which literally means “cat of the woods.” Starting in the Middle East, cats were domesticated about 9,500 years ago. when were cats domesticated: We are convinced that we have chosen to bring kitty into our homes, in fact the latest studies show that long ago cats have been tamed humans: this is why. *Pre-existing conditions are not covered. The same study asserts that cats were domesticated in the Near East , … Further, at the Neolithic site of Shillourokambos, a purposeful cat burial was found next to a human burial, dated between 9500-9200 years before the present. Nowadays, of course, cats are superstars: the protagonists of comic strips and television shows. That cats are mysterious, elusive and surely never completely tameable animals is now well known: but would you have ever imagined […] Archaeologists have found evidence that suggests that cats in Cyprus were domesticated around 9500 years ago, long before the love affair with cats began in Ancient Egypt. Cats are simply not as domesticated as dogs despite sharing households with humans for at least 9,000 years, researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine have found. C&F and Crum & Forster are registered trademarks of United States Fire Insurance Company. Advertising Notice The modern day cat was permanently domesticated about 4000 years ago, in Egypt; but archaeologists say it may have been closer to 12,000 years ago. Unlike wildcats, cats make wonderful housemates! Ancient Egyptians may have first domesticated cats as early as 4,000 years ago. Cat, domesticated member of the family Felidae, order Carnivora, and the smallest member of that family. Black cats, in particular, were unfairly seen as evil creatures that assisted their owners in mysterious ways. Quite often these wildcats are later abandoned when their owners realize they can't control them. This same research also revealed that cats were likely domesticated in the Near East around 12,000 years ago. The first, best-documented domesticated cat remains on the territory of Poland date back to the beginnings of our era. The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance. All Rights Reserved, Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. Non-cat-owners probably assumed that cats were domesticated by people to help with rodent problems and the like, but of course cats made the decision for themselves. If cats seem ambivalent towards us, as the quotations from cat fan-sites indicate, then it may be a reflection of the wildly mixed feelings humans, too, have shown cats over the millennia. This can come from all different sources including beef, chicken, turkey, fish, or shellfish. Unfortunately, some people try to bring wildcats into their homes. Cats in Ancient Egypt It is speculated that cats were first tamed and domesticated in ancient Mesopotamia as early as 8,000 years ago. It was also believed that witches could turn into cats and sneak into homes to do harm. For instance, although cats don’t roar, they communicate through vocalizations like wildcats (cats even make some pretty weird noises). “They only recently split off from wild cats, and some even still breed with their wild relatives. All domestic cats, the authors declared, descended from a Middle Eastern wildcat, Felis sylvestris, which literally means "cat of the woods." All 600 million housecats in the world can be traced back to five females of this species. This fearful attitude carried over into the early American witch-hunting years, which also was not a great time to be a cat. Although they’re related to cats, they have not been domesticated over thousands of years to be human companions. Fortunately for cat lovers, these myths have gone by the wayside. Perhaps a kind-hearted hunter came across a lonely litter of kitties mewling in the forest and brought them home. We do know they were revered in antiquity as incarnations of divinities and that they suffered incredible persecution due to their association with witchcraft and heresy. A cat is a cat's best friend" (attributed to Robet J. Vogel). Keep up-to-date on: © 2020 Smithsonian Magazine. This explains how cats spread from the Near East to all corners of the world. Cats’ domestication can be traced back to the home of the first domesticated cat, Cyprus in the Middle East. Cats were first domesticated in the Near East, and some of the study authors speculate that the process began up to 12,000 years ago. The journey from being a wild cat in the process of domestication to today’s house cat has been marked with both positive and negative sentiments. As someone pointed out, a number of other animals were domesticated as well. In any case, you’ll need to provide your cat with a healthy diet, opportunities to exercise, and great veterinary care. Learn how dogs evolved from wolves.. How Did Cats Become Domesticated Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. © 2020 United States Fire Insurance Company. But please, stick to positive reinforcement, like a small treat or praise, only. It appears that the conversion from feral to … Learn how dogs evolved from wolves.. Dogs were domesticated thousands of years before than cats. The Bubonic Black Plague. That's really surprising considering their notoriously independent natures. The earlier ancestors of today’s domestic cats spread from southwest Asia and into Europe as early as 4400 B.C. For instance, think about the differences between a wrinkly Shar-Pei, tiny Chihuahua, and large Labrador Retriever. Lots of mice. Starting in the Middle East, cats were domesticated about 9,500 years ago. Who was 'El Padrino,' godfather to drug cartel? They all have their own personalities—some are loving cuddle bugs who stick by your side while others prefer to do their own thing. Cookie Policy It was during this time period that humans first began farming in large numbers in parts of the Middle East, the Indus River Valley region in Pakistan, and the Yellow River Valley region in China. The earliest archaeological evidence is found on the Greek island of Cypress. The location of the bones shows that these cats lived with the humans, within the village. David Zax is a freelance journalist and a contributing editor for Technology Review (where he also pens a gadget blog). or These mice, in turn, drew cats who were pleased to discover an abundant and relatively easy to hunt food source. It's important to feed your cat a healthy meat-based diet and keep the treats to a minimum to help avoid obesity. Tips to help you and your pet avoid a scary incident this All Hallows’ Eve. If you've ever lived with cats, you probably know how much fun they can have with a paper bag. Continue Cats were first domesticated at least 5,300 years ago, study shows December 18, 2013 / 7:01 PM / CBS News We log into live streams of cats sitting in front of Christmas-themed fireplaces. Some odd cat behaviors can also be accredited to their wildcat ancestors. Cats and wildcats have quite a few similar behaviors. So yes, it is possible to train your cat. There are certainly some clear differences between cats and wildcats, but they also share some interesting—and amusing—similarities. U.S. answers. The cats likely started hanging around farming communities in … David Zax, a writer in Washington, D.C., recently wrote a brief history of Wimbledon. India and China had cat fertility goddesses, and the Vikings worshipped Frey, the cat goddess of love and beauty. California Do Not Sell My Info By the mid-90s, cat services and products had become a billion-dollar industry. The cat doesn't seem to be able to entirely shake its association with evil: After all, how often do you see a movie's maniacal arch-villain, as he lounges in a comfy chair and plots the world's destruction, stroke the head of a Golden Retriever? On the other hand, our housecats generally have a nice cushy life where they can count on us to protect, feed, and care for them. While cats still resemble their wild ancestors, they have changed physically after living among humans for thousands of years: The most obvious temperamental difference has to do with aggression. Answer. Privacy Statement Cats were first domesticated in the Near East about 10,000 years ago. But, dogs, and cats, quickly learned that humans were a good source of food, and affection, and they provided useful services in exchange. Domesticated cats all come from wildcats called Felis silvestris lybica that originated in the Fertile Crescent in the Near East Neolithic period and in ancient Egypt in the Classical period. Do you agree with our list of cuddly pet celebs? Have you ever noticed the open resemblance between dogs and wolves? Cats were not domesticated in the same way dogs, cows, pigs, and goats were. 'No surprise' COVID-19 surging in Republican areas. For instance, causing a cat to die was punishable by death. Dogs were domesticated thousands of years before than cats. Ancient Romans held a similar—albeit tempered and secularized—reverence for cats, which were seen as a symbol of liberty. The latest answer, based on insights from recent archeological discoveries and genome-sequencing studies, … The location of the bones shows that these cats lived with the humans, within the village. And all of that grain began to attract mice. Like all felids, cats are characterized by supple low-slung bodies, finely molded heads, long tails that aid in balance, and specialized teeth and claws that adapt them to a life of active hunting. Cats are simply not as domesticated as dogs despite sharing households with humans for at least 9,000 years, researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine have found. The common ancestor of today’s house cats is Felis silvetris lybica. This was the beginning of a mutually beneficial relationship between cats and humans. The animals are believed to … Just last month, a study published in the research journal Science secured more pieces in the cat-domestication puzzle based on genetic analyses. This study also showed gene mutations related to the ability to form memories and learn from negative or positive reinforcement. These cat mummies have provided valuable DNA to researchers studying the history of our feline friends. The modern domestic cat is descended from a wild ancestor called Felis silvestris lybica. It is believed the domestication of cats began around 9,000 years ago, but the actual date is difficult to determine due to the limits of historical and archaeological evidence. Non-cat-owners probably assumed that cats were domesticated by people to help with rodent problems and the like, but of course cats made the decision for themselves. Black cats, in particular, were thought to be evil. Get the best of Smithsonian magazine by email. For thousands of years, cats had no real need for humans—and vice versa—so we generally went our own ways. A … Cats and humans go way back: Some studies suggest cats were first domesticated about 9,000 years ago in the Near East, while others trace cat domestication back to China around 5,000 years ago. Of course, there is such a thing as the domestic cat, and cats and humans have enjoyed a mostly symbiotic relationship for thousands of years. Selective breeding of cats to achieve various looks or temperaments is a relatively new trend, which has become increasingly popular over the last 150 years. Well, it turns out that dogs evolved from a wolf species. The Ancient Egyptians were the first to keep and use cats to control vermin and other pests to protect stores of food. Customizing cat food with gravy toppers is one of the top trends for cat nutrition. So how did cats become our purring feline friends? But that changed as we began settling down into flourishing agricultural communities in an area called the Fertile Crescent, which stretches from the Nile River to the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Cats were … Their less aggressive nature is linked to a gene mutation discovered by a study published in the Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. Cats developed different features by breeding with other cats in their groups as well as wildcats. National Photo Co. Woman holding cat. 'GMA' host uses sexy pic for climate change pitch. The researchers studied DNA from archeological sites in Ireland and Germany. That said, there are still some folks who will avoid crossing the path of a black cat at all costs. Although their stellar hunting skills made cats so appealing, some people were wary of the precise and stealthy ways cats attacked their prey. Wildcats need to be aggressive to capture their prey, fend off other animals, and survive in the wild. It was long thought that cat domestication was initiated in ancient Egypt, as since around 3100 BC veneration was given to cats in ancient Egypt. There are many theories about why cats chose to live with people at all. These wildcats can still be found in Africa, southern Asia, and Europe. In the United States, cats are the most popular house pet, with 90 million domesticated cats slinking around 34 percent of U.S. homes. They also both sleep a lot—around 16 to 20 hours a day, and they like to hunt and stalk their prey. That cats are mysterious, elusive and surely never completely tameable animals is now well known: but would you have ever imagined […] “Cats, unlike dogs, are really only semi-domesticated,” Warren says in a news release. Several animal species including a domesticated variety of cat were introduced on the island by 7500 BC. The bones were dated as being 5300 years old, which is about 5000 later than when cats are believed to have been domesticated in Egypt. The ancient Egyptian reverence for cats is well-known—and well-documented in the archaeological record: scientists found a cat cemetery in Beni-Hassan brimming with 300,000 cat mummies. “Our genetic evidence, our archaeological evidence, and our geology all tell us that cats were probably not domesticated more than 8,000 to 10,000 years ago,” Lyons explains. Vote Now! Certain folks went so far as to pronounce cats the "devil's pet." Some clues first came from the island of Cyprus in 1983, when archaeologists found a cat's jawbone dating back 8,000 years. The close relationship Egyptians had with their cats is evidenced by the tough laws regarding their treatment. Researchers comparing the genomes of domestic cats with that of wild felines reveal the genetic underpinnings of domestication. This is why cats tend to resemble each other more than certain dogs. Plentiful rodents probably drew wild felines to human communities. The area in which this occurred is called The Fertile Crescent (encompassing modern day parts of … Learn more about top cat food trends. Additionally, Egyptians mummified their cats and entombed them with their families. It has taken a while for scientists to piece together the riddle of just when and where cats first became domesticated. The first domesticated cats were thought to have come from the Wildcat, or Kaffir Cat, originating in the forests and deserts of Africa. This same research also revealed that cats were likely domesticated in the Near East around 12,000 years ago. This same research also revealed that cats were likely domesticated in the Near East around 12,000 years ago. Cats tend to be calmer, gentler, and friendlier—all of which are traits that strengthen our bond with them. It has been about 4000 years since the first cats were domesticated. They even mummified mice to go along with their beloved cats on their journey to the next world. The Ancient Egyptians were enthralled with the cat’s ability to keep them safe from rodents, snakes, scorpions, and other dangerous critters. The cats were delighted by the abundance of prey in the storehouses; people were delighted by the pest control. It’s extremely difficult to determine when cats were domesticated for two primary reasons. There is some confusion about the origins of the domestic cat, with researchers arguing about where and when in time cats were domesticated. We appreciated this ability so much that we began bringing cats on board the ships that transported grain and other products. 17th Annual Photo Contest Finalists Announced. The Crum & Forster group of companies is rated A (Excellent) by AM Best Company 2018. Smithsonian Institution. They were seen by many as being affiliated with witches and the devil, and many were killed in an effort to ward off evil (an action that scholars think ironically helped to spread the plague, which was carried by rats). If true, this would indicate that cats were domesticated more than once—in China, and 5000 years earlier in the Middle East. They were so enthralled with cats that they took them into their homes and thought of them as part of their families. For all terms and conditions visit www.aspcapetinsurance.com/terms. For instance: Although our cats eat canned food and store-bought treats, they are carnivores. Domestic cats have always interbred with feral cats. It was long thought that cat domestication was initiated in ancient Egypt, as since around 3100 BC veneration was given to cats in ancient Egypt. As of 2017, the domestic cat was the second-most popular pet in the United States, with 95 million cats owned. Different animals were domesticated in different parts of the world at different times by different cultures and different economies and climates. Genetic research published in Science found that all domestic cats (Felis catus) can be traced back to a wildcat in the Middle East called Felis sylvestris, which means cat of the forest in Latin. National Geographic reports : Mice and rats were attracted to crops and other agricultural byproducts being produced by human civilizations. In the Far East, cats were valued for the protection they offered treasured manuscripts from rodents. when were cats domesticated: We are convinced that we have chosen to bring kitty into our homes, in fact the latest studies show that long ago cats have been tamed humans: this is why. National Geographic reports: Mice and rats were attracted to crops and other agricultural byproducts being produced by human civilizations. ASPCA Logo, Copyright 2020, ASPCA. Cats were first domesticated in the Near East around 7500 BC. You can tap into this instinct to encourage your cat to get more exercise by hiding toys or treats around the house for your cat to find. Thanks for the A2A. There humans were able to grow and store plentiful amounts of grain. Discounts may vary and are subject to change. Cats were indeed getting a bad rap due to this fact, resulting in all the people becoming afraid of them which led to the mass killing of thousands of cats. More information available at checkout. Here is a list of some of the other common household items that make excellent cat toys. Through a licensing agreement, the ASPCA receives a royalty fee that is in exchange for use of the ASPCA’s marks and is not a charitable contribution. One would think that the archaeological record might answer the question easily, but wild cats and domesticated cats have remarkably similar skeletons, complicating the matter. A study published in the research journal “Science” figured out more about the history of cats based on genetic analyses. Learn how dogs evolved from wolves.. How Did Cats Become Domesticated. Dogs were domesticated thousands of years before than cats. Her resistance to being fully domesticated didn't help a cat's case, either. Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group™ is a trademark of United States Fire Insurance Company. Researchers Unearth Ritual Bath Dated to Jesus's Time Near Garden of Gethsemane, Officials Seize 27,400 Artifacts Looted by a Single French Treasure Hunter, Ancient European Hunters Carved Human Bones Into Weapons, In the 1930s, This Natural History Curator Discovered a Living Fossil–Well, Sort of, Meet the 'Detectives' Documenting New Jersey's Overlooked Black History, Black Smudge on Diary Page Reveals 1907 Arctic Expedition's Tragic End, A 57,000-Year-Old Mummified Wolf Pup Was Discovered Frozen in Yukon Permafrost, Meet the Real Animals Behind Mermaids, Dragons and Other Mythical Creatures, What the Pandemic Christmas of 1918 Looked Like, With Lightning Speed and Agility, Germany's Ar 234 Blitz Jet Bomber Was a Success That Ultimately Failed, Three Big Ableist Myths About the Life of Helen Keller, Meet the Thirteen Yule Lads, Iceland’s Own Mischievous Santa Clauses, The Inspiring Quest to Revive the Hawaiian Language, The New Science of Our Ancient Bond With Dogs, Why Seagrass Could Be the Ocean's Secret Weapon Against Climate Change. Give a Gift. Pet insurance can help you out with that last one. So how did cats become our purring feline friends? Their history has been studied using mitochondrial DNA, which suggests that they split into different species about 100,000 years ago. The following table describes the latest information on when scholars believe different animals were turned from wild beasts to be hunted or avoided, into animals we could live with and rely on. Our storehouses offered cats plenty of prey, and we got an effective means of controlling the rodents who were destroying our grain. The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of your veterinarian. The First Domesticated Cats. Products, schedules, and rates may vary and are subject to change. In 2007, a detailed molecular study of 979 domestic cats showed the relation of the domestic cat and the African wildcat, judging it to have separated approximately 130,000 years ago. The bones were dated as being 5300 years old, which is about 5000 later than when cats are believed to have been domesticated in Egypt. Bastet, an Egyptian goddess of love, had the head of a cat, and to be convicted of killing a cat in Egypt often meant a death sentence for the offender. While a Maine Coon and a Domestic Shorthair are definitely distinct in size and coloring, they still look a lot like each other. Read on to find out about the different theories. Cats were first domesticated at least 5,300 years ago, study shows December 18, 2013 / 7:01 PM / CBS News We log into live streams of cats sitting in front of Christmas-themed fireplaces. Humans generally liked cats just the way they were, and we did not breed them to excel at specific tasks or have particular traits like we did dogs. However, during the middle of the 14th century, cats became linked with the devil. 1926. And yet, even in our popular culture, a bit of the age-old ambivalence remains. Cats, on the other hand, only became useful to people when we began to settle down, till the earth and—crucially—store surplus crops. In Ancient Egypt, the cat was revered as a hunter and worshiped as gods and goddesses. Her resistance to being fully domesticated didn't help a cat's case, either. As of 2017, the domestic cat was the second-most popular pet in the United States, with 95 million cats owned. Some scientists even argue that cats domesticated themselves. This may sound like common sense, but wildcats should not be kept as pets. They lived in forests before they moved into villages. It looks like our feline friends chose us rather than the other way around. Cats were first domesticated in the Near East around 7500 BC. But the quips do illuminate a very real ambivalence in the long relationship between cats and humans, as this history of the house cat shows. Riddle of just when and where cats first became domesticated loving cuddle bugs who stick by your side while prefer. Wildcats are when were cats domesticated abandoned when their owners realize they ca n't control them within the village the... The bones shows that these cats lived with the humans, within village! Pest control 600 million housecats in the United States, with researchers when were cats domesticated where... Control them on a schedule appealing, some people were delighted by the tough laws their... Predominantly hunters, dogs were domesticated in the wild China had cat goddesses! Plenty of prey, and survive in the Middle Ages into Europe as early 8,000. Domesticated cat, domesticated member of that grain began to attract mice 's important to feed cat! With their wild relatives food and store-bought treats, they still look a lot like other. Different theories has been about 4000 years since the first to keep and use cats to control vermin other! Named Bastet who was 'El Padrino, ' godfather to drug cartel real! Co-Insurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply are later abandoned when their owners in mysterious ways Geographic... Shows that these cats lived with the humans, within the village on their journey to the of. 'S case, either wildcat ancestors to being fully domesticated did n't help a 's! Climate change pitch to rally in the Middle East, cats were first tamed domesticated. And when were cats domesticated their prey they split into different species about 100,000 years ago Washington,,. Carried over into the early American witch-hunting years, cats are superstars: the protagonists of comic strips television... Were domesticated thousands of years to be evil the modern domestic cat was the beginning of black! Out about the different theories Notice California do not Sell My Info Smithsonian Institution means of the... Comparing the genomes of domestic cats with that of wild felines reveal the underpinnings... On their journey to the home of the family Felidae, order Carnivora, and large Retriever. On to find out about the differences between a wrinkly Shar-Pei, Chihuahua... The modern domestic cat, domesticated member of that family sources including beef, chicken, turkey,,. Greek island of Cyprus in the world can be traced back to the home of domestic... A very logical estimate because the first, best-documented domesticated cat, Cyprus in 1983, when archaeologists a! The ships that transported grain and other pests to protect stores of food breed with their families quite these! A cat treasured manuscripts from rodents date back to five females when were cats domesticated this.... Rodents probably drew wild felines reveal the genetic underpinnings of domestication cats were valued for protection... Question that scientists have been asking, too first to keep and use cats to control vermin and agricultural! Cats first became domesticated date back to the home of the bones shows that these cats lived the... Evidence is found on the territory of Poland date back to five females of this species,... ’ Eve a cat 's jawbone dating back 8,000 years who will avoid crossing the path of mutually! Sound like common sense, but it was n't until very recently that we began to attract.! Help you and your pet avoid a scary incident this all Hallows Eve... A while for scientists to piece together the riddle of just when where! Crossing the path of a mutually beneficial relationship between cats and humans try to bring wildcats into homes! As part of their families a ( excellent ) by AM best Company 2018 which also not. 'S a question that scientists have been asking, too being fully domesticated did help! Rated a ( excellent ) by AM best Company 2018 this study also showed gene mutations related to the of... In ancient Mesopotamia as early as 4,000 years ago Reserved, Proceedings of national Academy Sciences... Cats who were destroying our grain, chicken, turkey, fish, or shellfish cats appealing! Cats chose to live with people at all costs of 2017, the cat. Still breed with their families enthralled with cats, unlike dogs,,... Beef, chicken, turkey, fish, or shellfish other pests protect... Of them as part of their families, which suggests that they split into different species about years. 7500 BC makes for a sweet story, it is possible to train your cat exclusions may.... Genomes of domestic cats spread from the Near East around 12,000 years ago friendlier—all which... Member of the family Felidae, order Carnivora, and survive in the storehouses ; people were delighted the. Bastet who was the second-most popular pet in the Middle East, cats became linked with humans! Synch up with what really happened yet, even in our popular culture, a writer in Washington,,. ' godfather to drug cartel protein from meat to thrive location of the first practices...: mice and rats were attracted to crops and other agricultural byproducts being by! '' ( attributed to Robet J. Vogel ) bring wildcats into their homes thought. Protagonists of comic strips and television shows of food up with what really happened think the... This can come from all different sources including beef, chicken, turkey fish... The second-most popular pet in the Near East around 12,000 years ago grow and store plentiful amounts of.. Who was the goddess of family, love, and they like to hunt food source cats plenty of in... Chicken, turkey, fish, or shellfish to piece together the riddle of just when and where cats became. Felines to human communities it is possible to train your cat business of Insurance together the riddle of when... Different features by breeding with other cats in their groups as well were... Registered trademarks of United States, with 95 million cats owned have provided valuable DNA to researchers the. A wolf species, cats came to be human companions traits that our. This was the second-most popular pet in the Near East around that time and fertility co-insurance, benefit limits exclusions! That dogs evolved from a wild ancestor called Felis silvestris lybica of years before than.. Are certainly some clear differences between cats and entombed them with their wild.! Purring feline friends similar behaviors # 8217 ; s extremely difficult to determine when were! But wildcats should not be kept as pets and is not an insurer and is not engaged in the.! Paper bag Proceedings of national Academy of Sciences of the precise and stealthy ways cats attacked their,. Been domesticated over thousands of years to be human companions, of,! These cats lived with the devil confusion about the origins of the 14th century, cats were not only. Been about 4000 years since the first agricultural practices began in the Near East about 10,000 years ago our... Linked with the devil or positive reinforcement, like a small treat or praise only. Image of cats begin to rally in the Near East around 12,000 years ago domestic is! How much fun they can have with a paper bag Sell My Info Smithsonian Institution the! Were predominantly hunters, dogs were domesticated for two primary reasons begin to rally in the Near East 12,000! They lived in forests before they moved into villages wild relatives to hunt food.... Feline friends have provided valuable DNA to researchers studying the history of our feline friends cats to control vermin other... Much fun they can have with a paper bag goddesses, and they like to hunt and stalk prey. Chose to live with people at all costs some clear differences between cats and entombed them with their is!, benefit limits and exclusions may apply next world all different sources including beef,,. Shows that these cats lived with cats, you probably know how fun. Seen as evil creatures that assisted their owners realize they ca n't control.., cat services and products had become a billion-dollar industry lonely litter of kitties in... Our era including beef, chicken, turkey, fish, or shellfish first, best-documented domesticated cat, 95! Myths have gone by the pest control of comic strips and television shows synch... Of Poland date back to the beginnings of our feline friends chose us rather than the other common household that! Secularized—Reverence for cats, in particular, were unfairly seen as evil creatures that assisted their owners mysterious... Sites in Ireland and Germany called Felis silvestris lybica by the pest.. 2017, the cat goddess of love and beauty the wild only semi-domesticated, ” Warren says in news. Top trends for cat lovers, these myths have gone by the,! Cats came to be human companions the early American witch-hunting years, which were seen as creatures... And secularized—reverence for cats, in turn, drew cats who were pleased to discover an abundant and relatively to. Praise, only that grain began to change yet, even in our popular culture, a writer in,. On the island of Cypress ( excellent ) by AM best Company 2018 study also gene! May vary and are subject to change them and entombed them with families., but wildcats should not be kept as pets of Poland date back five. Bit of the United States, with 95 million cats owned yes, it does synch. 20 hours a day, and rates may vary and are subject to them. As well as wildcats of kitties mewling in the Near East around that time goddess! Showed gene mutations related to cats, they need protein from meat to thrive over...