New Research Reveals Surprising Origins of Domestic Cats

The origins of domestic cats have long been shrouded in mystery, but recent research utilizing ancient DNA is reshaping our understanding. While previous theories suggested that humans began living alongside cats approximately 9,500 years ago in the Levant region during the Neolithic era, new findings indicate a different timeline and location for the domestication of these beloved pets.

Most notably, studies have shown that modern domestic cats, scientifically known as Felis catus, are younger than previously believed. Instead of their origins lying in the Levant, the latest research points to North Africa as the true home of domestic cats. According to Greger Larson, a professor at Oxford University and co-author of two significant studies on this topic, the team examined ancient cat bones and genomes from various archaeological sites across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

New Discoveries Challenge Long-Held Beliefs

Larson and his colleagues discovered bones attributed to domestic cats dating back 10,000 years. However, these bones did not share genomes similar to today’s domestic cat population. A study published in the journal Science analyzed 87 ancient and modern cat genomes, concluding that the ancestry of domestic cats is rooted in North Africa, diverging from the earlier belief that their domestication occurred in the Levant.

The research also highlighted the close genetic relationship between modern domestic cats and their wild relatives, specifically the African wildcat, Felis lybica lybica. This connection is crucial as it illustrates how the gene pool of contemporary domestic cats was established. The spread of these cats across Europe correlates with the rise of the Roman Empire around 2,000 years ago, marking a significant expansion of their presence on the continent.

Another pivotal study published in Cell Genomics provided insights into the movement of domestic cats into China. By AD 730, these felines had reached China, likely facilitated by trading caravans along the historic Silk Road. This research involved DNA analysis from 22 felid bones unearthed in China over the past 5,000 years. The findings also revealed that prior to the arrival of domestic cats, a different feline species, the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), cohabited with humans in China for over 3,500 years, from at least 5,400 years ago until AD 150.

The Evolving Relationship Between Cats and Humans

The leopard cat’s relationship with humans was classified as commensal, meaning both species benefited from one another, yet the leopard cat never fully transitioned to domestication. According to the study’s senior author, Shu-jin Luo, this highlights the unique journey of domestic cats as they adapted to human environments and eventually became intertwined in human society.

These discoveries illustrate a more complex narrative regarding the domestication of cats, emphasizing the need for continuous research in understanding the historical relationships between species and humans. As the understanding of domestic cats’ origins evolves, it reflects broader themes in animal domestication and the intricacies of human-animal interactions throughout history.