Introduction - Origins Of The Domestic Cat

There is something about the personality, characteristics and appearance of a wild or domestic cat that is absolutely fascinating to watch and interact with. Perhaps it is the muscular and athletic movement of these animals, or perhaps it is their combination of independence and loving behaviour that makes them a truly unique type of domestic animal, unlike any other type of pet.

Generally people tend to fall into two groups when it comes to having cats as pets. The first group is those that absolutely adore cats and enjoy their unique personalities and mannerisms. The second group are those people that have yet to realize how much they would enjoy having a cat in the household. Cats have been misunderstood, mistreated and even demonised throughout history, yet they are still one of the most popular of all domestic animals for several very good reasons. To understand the complex relationship between humans and cats it is important to go back to the very origins of both species and try to discover how this relationship evolved.

Although there are many different theories about the actual first ancestor of the modern domestic cat it is generally believed by scientists that cats can trace their roots back to a creodont, a large fish-eating mammal that lived some 50 million years ago. At the same time a very small forest dwelling carnivore mammal called a miacid also is found in the fossil record, and it is believed that the modern cats descended from the miacid line, although their jaw and teeth are similar to the creodont fossils. The miacid line did evolve into various types of carnivores, but the line of development from the creodont is currently more of an assumption rather than an archaeological truth.

The first domestication of the cat probably happened by accident rather than by plan or design. Since cats naturally hunt vermin such as rats, mice and other rodents it is likely that cats simply followed these rodents to locations were humans were camped or staying. As groups of ancient humans became less nomadic and more localised, rodents began to increase in numbers where humans left waste materials, planted crops or harvested natural fruits, vegetable and even kept domestic animals. This in turn attracted the small forest dwelling cats to the camp areas of the humans. This relationship was by no means planned by early man and evolved over a long period of time, not rapidly like the domestication of some of the other species.

It is generally agreed that domestication of animals and the evolution of a more agricultural type lifestyle started to occur around 10,000 BC. This change from hunter-gatherer to the more settled, agricultural lifestyle happened earlier in warmer climates and then gradually spread to the colder and more seasonal climates. In addition humans started to store food over the winter and cold seasons, both for themselves and their livestock. Cattle, sheep, poultry and horses all needed wheat, oats and hay to survive the cold wintery months, so granaries and hay barns were developed. The mice, just like today, simply invaded these stockpiles, literally depleting the stores while, at the same time, carrying disease and parasites. Early agrarian societies would not have had the ability to effectively "mouse proof" these areas so they would likely tolerate the wild feral cats that would hang around the outer buildings, easily catching mice and rats that larger dogs and humans simply couldn't.

It is likely that the cats themselves decided if they wished to stay within the human villages or if they wished to return to the forests. In this way the tamer or less scared cats simply stayed around humans, naturally building up a tolerance or acceptance of the humans in the area. It is not unlikely that some of the cats even came into houses, especially if they were found as kittens and brought up in contact with humans. This is, however, not likely to have been a regular practice with these ancient and rather primitive groups of people.

Around about 4,000 BC the Egyptian culture began to completely evolve and an interest in the life and environment around the cities and within civilisation began to occur. The ancient Egyptians were very involved in studying animals and comparing their natures and behaviours to gods, goddesses and deities within their religion. The male cat was closely paired with the sun god Ra, which made the cat a very powerful creature in the minds of the Egyptians. The female cat became associated with Bast, the fertility goddess. People within the Egyptian cities began keeping cats, both male and female, in their houses to pay homage to the two powerful deities that were represented on earth in the form of a cat. Statues, engravings and wonderful depictions of cats within the Egyptian culture are still found within many museums and archaeological digs throughout the area.

Between 2900 BC and 2200 BC cats also become commonplace in homes in Libya, India, China, Crete and Greece. It is thought that in those countries the cleanliness and hunting abilities of the domestic cat made it an ideal match for the small houses and dwellings that people in the those times lived in. The cat at this stage of its evolution was relatively small, lived almost exclusively off its own hunting, was extremely clean and didn't take up large amounts of space within the living area. In addition cats were affectionate and loving while not requiring a large amount of attention in return. Generally cats were the only pet that would be allowed in the house or dwelling and they often had special areas designated just for their comfort.

The Romans are actually the group that brought domestic cats to Europe, reaching Italy in about 1900 BC and Britain in about 1600 BC. The cats gradually and slowly spread across Europe and probably inbred with other small feral or wild cats that were present in the area.

Cats were also seen as a symbol of luck on a ship or ocean going vessel, so most ships had at least one or two cats on board. It is likely that these cats often got off the ships in ports, or other cats came on the ships and then were carried to other ports, countries and locations. This is one of the major reasons that they same types and colourations of cats are seen virtually worldwide.

Through this constant movement and interbreeding the many wondrous and amazing coat colours and patterns and marking become associated with cats in particular areas or those that had specific body types or physical attributes. In addition some cats were highly prized for their hunting ability or sturdiness of constitution, allowing them to stay outdoors even in very cold conditions.

In the times of religious persecution and witchcraft hunts cats often received a bad reputation as being associated with devils or evil. This is likely a remnant of the non-Christian religions that placed a higher status on cats than other domestic animals. To this day there still exists a superstition about black cats crossing a path or appearing on your front step. In some cultures cats are seen as bringers of luck and prosperity whereas in others they are seen as signs of bad luck and doom. Most of these superstitions are simply seen as a pleasant diversion now, but in older times many thousands of cats were killed because of these mistaken beliefs.

In the late 19th century breeders and cat fanciers began to move towards a specific standardisation and showing venue for cats of purebred or traceable lineage. This move towards breeds started with the Persia cats, and then moved into the other cats that have traditionally been associated with royalty such as the Siamese, Birman and even the Abyssinian cats of Egyptian heritage. The first cat fancier's show was held in 1871 in London's Crystal Palace and was considered to be one of the highlights of the events in the venue.

In addition the general domestic cat was then standardised in both Britain and the United States developing into the Domestic Shorthair breeds as well as the longhaired varieties. Different colours, markings and physical characteristics were then developed by mutations in genetics and selective breeding has further developed these variations into the recognizable breeds of today. New breeds are still being developed, with breeds such as the Sphynx and the Ocicat actually evolving out of accidental breeding or an attempt to get a particular coat or colour within known breeds.

Cats have always been bred to be both hunters and companions, although the hunting aspect for most housecats is no longer a matter of survival. Current housecats are fed their daily requirements by loving owners, no longer required to hunt through the house or surrounding garden to catch a mouse, rat or other vermin to supply the daily nutritional requirements. In fact, many of the cats today are kept completely indoors, never venturing into the busy city streets.

The cat's popularity with city dwellers and flat or apartment owners continues to grow as these low maintenance pets make ideal companions for small spaces. In addition the cleanliness and litter box training potential for domestic cats makes them ideal for owners that don't want to have the requirement of taking the pet outside for walks everyday.

Cats have also been bred to be companions. Some breeds such as the Persian, Angora, Manx and Siamese cats are very closely bonded with the humans in their lives. They are very affectionate and demand attention from their owners much the same as dogs do. Some breeds of cats will even fetch, lead on a collar, and sit or lie down on command. Amazingly most domestic breeds can be taught the same basic commands as a dog, but they do require some special training and techniques.

Generally cats require little in the way of grooming, especially if they are a shorthaired variety. Longhaired cats such as Persians and Angoras will require daily grooming but they enjoy the attention and usually love the grooming process. Cats are also very healthy by nature, with far fewer genetic and health concerns than most breeds of dogs. This may be largely due to the lack of line breeding and inbreeding for the greatest part of the history of the cat.

Throughout history there have been many famous cats, both mythical, legendary and in real life. Many famous people including Winston Churchill left part or all of their estate to their beloved cats. In addition cats have been the subjects of books by such renowned authors as Alexandre Dumas and Victor Hugo.

Famous cats have often accompanied American presidents. Abraham Lincoln had three cats while in the White House, and President Roosevelt never held a ball or meeting at the White House without his cat Slippers being present. More recently President Bill Clinton always spoke about his cat Socks whenever he mentioned his family.

Without a doubt cats have been made famous through the cartoons, novels and movies. It is hard to define what attracts people to cats, some indicate it is their independence and devil may care attitude, while others think it is their wise and knowing expression and their ability to know when their human needs a bit of attention and love.

Cats have also been historically valued for their sense of athletic ability and energy as well as their independence and keen intelligence. It is almost impossible to not laugh out loud watching kittens play and chase each other, or watching a cat play with a favourite toy or ball. The joy that cats can bring to a family or a single person is amazing. The popularity of cats as domesticated pets continues to grow, and will likely see continued increases in the future. Newer breeds of cats that have specialized coat colours and various sizes and shedding abilities will also assist in increasing the popularity of the cat.