The Brief History and Journey of the Domestic Cat

The cat is the most common pet in the world. Since the beginning of human civilization, cats have been companions to people. The cat-human relationship began as a partnership of convenience linked to the beginnings of agriculture, but evolved over time into a mutual connection and appreciation that has been growing for the last 10,000 years. From the African wildcat to the domesticated house cat, the fascinating journey and history of the cat touches almost all corners of the world.

Chinese girl sitting on the floor reading next to a ginger cat

Middle East

Researchers recently discovered that, in the Mesopotamia region and Turkey, and on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, cats were living with among people thousands of years before they existed in Egypt. In fact, evidence suggests that people domesticated cats in the Middle East more than 10,000 years ago, and cats were revered in many of the region’s traditions. Researchers consider the Middle East the place where people first domesticated cats. Additionally, the first evidence of the “blotched“ or “tabby“ coat pattern cat, which commonly appears in domesticated cats, appeared in Turkey during the 14th century.

Africa

The ancient Egyptians began domesticating the African wildcat as early as 4,000 years ago. In ancient Egypt, people believed that cats were magical, divine and godlike. In fact, ancient Egyptians worshipped a feline goddess named Bastet, who was depicted as half-feline, half-woman. Throughout the artifacts from ancient Egypt, cats are a symbolic fixture, illustrating their value, popularity and companionship with humans. Even in death, people immortalized the cats of ancient Egypt as mummies.

Asia

Around 3,000 B.C., the people of China began to domesticate the leopard cat and the western wildcat for pest control. During the Sung Dynasty (960 – 1279), people cherished cats as loyal pets. Artists depicted them in paintings and sculptures. The Chinese culture considered the cat as a symbol of good luck.

Europe

During the Middle Ages, many people considered cats demonic and associated them with darkness and witchcraft. As a result, popes and high-ranking officials condemned cats, and the animals were often tortured and killed. In more modern times, especially the Age of Enlightenment in the 17th and 18th century, cats began to shed their negative reputation and regained popularity as a loyal pet. Today, cats are one of the most popular and cherished pets in Europe. A recent Boehringer Ingelheim and IPSOS joint study found that over 91 percent of cat owners say their cat has a positive effect on their lives.

North and South America

Cats arrived in North and South America with European settlers. As the settlers began to cultivate the land, cats helped establish the unique human-animal bond through their natural ability to hunt, drive away rodents and serve as loyal companion pets. Today, the domestic cat is the most popular household pet in the U.S., with nearly 74 million cats living in homes.