Scientists Rewrite Feline History: House Cats Traced to North Africa

Scientists have solved a long-standing mystery about the origins of the domestic cat. A groundbreaking genetic study reveals that our beloved house cats descended from wildcats in North Africa. This discovery fundamentally changes the previous theory that placed their origins in the Near East.

The research, published in a leading scientific journal, analyzed ancient DNA from cat remains across Europe, Africa, and Anatolia. It concludes that the domestic cats we know today spread across Europe around 2,000 years ago, much later than once thought.

New Evidence Overturns Old Theories

For decades, the dominant theory stated cats were domesticated by Neolithic farmers in the Fertile Crescent. The idea was that wildcats were attracted to rodents in grain stores. This relationship eventually led to domestication about 10,000 years ago.

The new study shows this was not the case for modern house cats. Genetic sequencing of 70 ancient cats tells a different story. According to the data, those early farmyard cats in Europe were actually native wildcats, not the ancestors of today’s pets.

The true dispersal of the domestic cat lineage is linked to ancient sea trade. As merchants moved goods across the Mediterranean, they likely carried cats on their ships. The cats were valued for controlling rodent populations on grain-laden vessels.

How Cats Conquered the World

The expansion of the Roman Empire played a crucial role. The Romans facilitated the movement of people, goods, and animals across vast distances. Cats from North Africa traveled with them to new territories like Sardinia and mainland Europe.

This research confirms domestication was a complex process. It did not happen in one single event or location. While North Africa is now identified as the primary source, earlier studies had pointed to ancient Egypt and the Near East.

All domestic cats alive today share a closer genetic link to African wildcats than to any other population. This suggests a relatively small group of North African wildcats gave rise to every house cat on the planet. Their global journey was powered by human civilization’s growth.

Some mysteries remain. Ancient cat burials on Cyprus date back over 9,000 years. Yet genetic evidence indicates these cats were not direct ancestors of modern felines. More research is needed to fully map the cat’s intricate journey into our homes.

The story of the domestic cat is a tale of transcontinental travel and ancient partnerships. This new genetic evidence finally provides a clear starting point for their global expansion.

Thought you’d like to know

Where were cats first domesticated?

According to the new study, modern house cats are descended from wildcats in North Africa. This challenges the old theory that placed their origins solely in the Near East.

When did cats come to Europe?

Cats arrived in Europe around 2,000 years ago. This timeline coincides with the peak of Mediterranean maritime trade and the expansion of the Roman Empire.

Why were cats originally kept by humans?

Cats were valued for their ability to hunt rodents. This was especially important for protecting stored grain and food supplies on trade ships and in early settlements.

How does this change our understanding of cat history?

It shows domestication was a complex process involving multiple regions. The North African wildcat population is now identified as the primary ancestor for all domestic cats today.

What evidence did the scientists use?

Researchers sequenced the genomes of 70 ancient cats from archaeological sites. They compared this DNA to modern wildcats to trace the genetic lineage.