Scientists discovered the remains of a 9,500-year-old cat buried with humans in Cyprus and snatched the palm of cat domestication from the Egyptians. But the new research of geneticists can again return their laurels. Genetic analysis of the remains of more than 200 ancient cats has shown that if cats were first domesticated outside Egypt, it was the Egyptians who helped them take their modern form.

Where the First Cats Came From

At the beginning of the XXI century, scientists managed to discover the remains of ancient animals found in Egypt, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. Among them were both adults and their offspring. These findings, dating back several millennia B.C., confirm that the domestication of cats may have occurred simultaneously in different regions, including ancient Egypt and surrounding areas. The first human interactions with wild cats may have begun in the early settlements of agriculturalists.

Over time, researchers have collected a significant number of finds such as bones, teeth, and animal mummies from various parts of the world. These artifacts include materials dating from 7,000 BCE to the 19th century CE. Finds from Egypt, Turkey, and other regions of the Middle East have played a key role in the study of the lineage of modern cats.

In a major study, a team of scientists focused on analyzing the genetic material passed down the maternal line. The data showed that modern domestic cats are descended from the Middle Eastern wildcat, which lived in regions such as modern-day Turkey and surrounding areas. The genetic material was able to identify several unique features characteristic of this subspecies.

A comparison of ancient and modern data has established that most domestic cats share a common genetic profile that originated about nine thousand years ago. Archaeologists suggest that about ten thousand years ago, wild cats began approaching human settlements, especially in the Middle East and Asia Minor, where agriculturalists were establishing permanent dwellings. These animals were attracted by the abundance of food, such as rodents, and gradually began to coexist with humans.

Methods of Determining Pedigree in Cats

Modern methods of determining the pedigree of cats are based on two key approaches: genetic analysis and the study of phenotypic traits. Each of them allows a different approach to the question of the origin of a particular individual and its relationship to ancient ancestors:

Genetic Analysis

The main method of researching the pedigree of cats is the analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which is transmitted through the maternal line. This method is used by the famous company Basepaws, which incidentally allows anyone to order the cat breed test. This method allows you to determine from which subspecies a particular cat originated and trace its kinship with ancient populations.

In addition to mitochondrial DNA, nuclear DNA is examined, which allows you to analyze not only maternal lines but also the full genetic heritage of cats. Modern DNA tests can determine not only the origin but also the presence of genetic mutations characteristic of certain breeds, as well as prevent most hereditary diseases.

Phenotypic Traits

Although genetic analysis gives the most accurate results, the external signs of cats can also tell you a lot about their ancestry. Among the main characteristics that are taken into account when determining the pedigree are:

• Coat color and texture - some genetic lines have distinctive coat shades or types (e.g., striped coloration in wild ancestors);
• Body and skull shape - wild ancestors have a more elongated muzzle, and in domestic breeds, the skull may have changed due to selection;
• Ear size and structure - wild cats often have larger and more pointed ears, while domestic cats may have less pronounced ears.

How Cats Came to Europe, Africa, and Asia

Experts say that about 6,500 years ago, Type A cats began appearing in Southeastern Europe. Experts believe they may have followed farmers who moved there. Cats then traveled to Europe, Africa, and Asia.

But that's only half the story. Most Egyptian cat mummies carry another lybica subtype, type C. The oldest remains of this type date back to about 800 BC (although it may have arisen even earlier, but scientists have not been able to obtain mitochondrial DNA samples from older remains). Cats with this genetic signature were very popular: by the fifth century, they were widely distributed in Europe and the Mediterranean. And during the first millennium, they even outnumbered Type A cats, for example, in western Turkey.

What Conclusions Can We Draw?

It is the ancient Egyptians who are responsible for the popularity of cats. They bred these animals, selecting more docile and more social individuals. Remarkably, Egyptian art reflects this difficult transformation. The earliest images of cats show us hunters tracking mice, while later images show the animals in more domestic conditions: they wear collars and participate with humans in hunting for birds. It is thanks to the Egyptians that today everyone can enjoy the wonderful company of their favorite furry friend.