We can trace a mutually beneficial relationship between humans and cats back to the valley near the Nile River, where mice attacked plentiful grains. All these mice served as an abundant source of food for cats. Storehouses invited cats to control rodents that destroyed grains. Based upon this incident, cats spread from the Near East to different parts of the world. Domestication of cats elaborates the minor changes in anatomy and behaviour, which is why they still live wildly. Certain domestication traits like small size, high intelligence, body language, and social nature play an important role in cats’ behaviour. Read more to know about the where do cats originate from and the origin of domesticated cat characteristics.
When Were Cats Domesticated?
Every wonder where did domestic cats come fro? Today’s domesticated cats remain utterly different from wild cats in all characteristics and traits. They survive on low water intake and tolerate extreme heat without any discomfort. There remains a change of body temperature of domesticated cats due to activity throughout the day. Domesticated cats, as compared to other species, remain independent without pressure in human society. Change in appearance is relatively minor for domestic cats. These cats have derived the aloof behaviour from ancestors where humans do everything on behalf like cleaning, stroking or cleaning litter. They need affection from humans however they spend most of their time in solitude.
Reasons of Cat Domestication
Effects of human interventions have changed a lot of things on the pathway of tameness. Cats are mostly domesticated because of the beautiful colour of fur or patterns and are solitary animals. Humans can’t control themselves physically as they do not like to be confined. Wild cats were domesticated based on big round eyes that resemble human babies. Little noses, powerful jaws or round faces are intriguing attributes that made their presence fixed for domestication. Domesticated cats have a wonderful fascination with manipulating humans because of their adaptable nature.
How did Cats Become Domesticated?
Scientists have researched a lot to place together all riddles regarding the domesticated cat evolution, where do cats come from. History shows that cats and humans have been interactive with each other. All domesticated cats come from the Felis Silvestric typical family in ancient Egypt. Each type of domesticated cat has common ancestors that all began in the Neolithic period and accelerated later in Egypt. DNA genetics of many cats was found worldwide, like in port cities where they were tamed to fight against rodents in food storage godowns on ships.
This process helps cats to spread globally. Because of coat patterns, you can quickly identify the visible differences between wild and domestic cats. Studies showed that cats with black, gray and calico coats are more aggressive. History proves that domestication and coat colors have a connection in between. It was believed that cats were domesticated in ancient Egypt, but they became one of popular pets in the United States and the United Kingdom. Specific mutations of wild cats were selected to develop the domestic breed.
DNA of Ancient Cats
Clues came from Cyprus back in 1983, where a jawbone was found 8000 years ago. They were descended from a Middle Eastern wildcat family. Ancient Egyptians were thrilled by their nature to catch rodents, snakes and other critters. They used to keep cats as a part of the family and worshiped deity as a goddess of family and love. The concept of domestication dates back to 8000 years ago when a cat was buried with a human. Dead bodies were mummified, which provided valuable cat DNA for researchers. Different cats evolved with the help of breeding as predatory hunting mammals with a keen sense of smell and hearing. The coexistence of cats and humans is evident from an early age of human settlement, where most were wild.
Cats Vs WildCats
There are certain differences between domestic and wild cats. The nature of wild cats is more aggressive than domestic ones. Domestic ones remain with beautiful memories and tolerate human interaction. Wild cats have a larger brain size than domestic cats. The difference in lifestyle determines the pupil shape of the eyes. The most common thing among domestic cats is that they purr, but wild ones do not because of anatomical differences. Domestic cats resemble wild nature but have changed over time by living with humans.
Size
The domestic cats are smaller in size than wild cats. This happened due to a change in activity level and diet. Domestic cats mostly spend their time indoor sleeping or playing with humans. Wild cats perform the responsibility of finding their food and shelter every day.
Small brain- brain size of domestic cats became small because the instinct of hard survival decreased by living indoors. Enough supply of food items remains available in front.
Different fur coats
Cats do not require to blend into surroundings, so coats with striped patterns and tabby developed over time with a range of colours.
Size of Pupils
Wild cats, has different pupils because of making the hunting process easier. Vertical pupils help in gauging distance and jump on prey after seeing it. The eye shape depends on the environment and nature. House or domestic cats enjoy a comfortable life where humans provide shelter, food and comfort. They tend to be calmer, gentler and a lot friendlier. Domesticated cats are appropriately trained by sticking to positive reinforcements.
Vocals
Wild cats make weird noises compared to domesticated where these cats drink water from a bowl that should be fresh. Staying up late at night is a trait that domesticated cats have gotten from wild cats. At the same time, it is also essential to notice that they get enough exercise during the daytime.
Diet
Protein is important for wild and domesticated cats, but house cats eat food mostly from can or store-bought treats. It helps in fighting obesity. Wild ones do not stay in control maximally. That is why owners abandon them. Unlike wild cats, tame ones love to cuddle and become excellent housemates. Provide your feline with a nice meal, healthy cat diet and positive surroundings.
FAQs
Cats are domesticated from ancient Egypt, as you can observe cats underneath chairs from 3500 years ago paintings. However, cats may have been petted around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent.
Yes, Self-domestication is a process of wild animals adapting to cohabitating with humans. Cats and dogs both come into this category. Moreover, felines lived for thousands of years with us before they were domesticated.
Conclusion
Domestication of cats has evolved from ancient times. They adapted themselves in houses with a change of nature and interaction with humans. Most domesticated cats have a similar nature to wild cats. They made humans love them. People need to take a break from mundane life that is why staying with them reduces most of their stress. Domesticated cats remain hunters by nature despite getting an abundance of food. Cats are predators who can adapt to every environment yet are vulnerable. People should understand nature rather than committing them inside houses. Not every domesticated cat are equal.