Unveiling the Origins of Domestic Cats: Insights from Genetic Analysis

Research indicates that domestic cats originated in North Africa, subsequently dispersing to Europe and East Asia over the last 2000 years, a timeline earlier estimates had not suggested.

The domestic cat (Felis catus) has its roots in the African wildcat (Felis lybica lybica) and is now present on every continent apart from Antarctica.

Prior studies proposed that domestic cats might have first appeared in the Levant, potentially arriving in Europe around 9600 BC.

Claudio Ottoni, a professor at Tor Vergata University in Rome, along with his team, examined 225 ancient cat remains from around 100 archaeological sites across Europe and present-day Turkey. This research yielded 70 ancient genomes that spanned over 10,000 years, dating from the 9th millennium BC to the 19th century AD. They also investigated museum specimens and 17 modern ocelot genomes from Italy, Bulgaria, Morocco, and Tunisia.

The oldest genetically identified cat from this research was sourced from Sardinia and dated to the second century AD, categorized as an African wildcat or domestic cat. All early European specimens were genetically determined to be European wildcats (Felis silvestris).

This research implies that the spread of domestic cats occurred significantly later than previously believed.

Ottoni emphasized that Mediterranean civilizations during the first millennium BC played a crucial role in the relocation of African wildcats, involving at least two genetically distinct populations. One group likely consisted of wildcats introduced to Sardinia from northwest Africa, establishing the current wildcat population on the island, while the other formed the genetic basis of modern domestic cats.

“Initially, during the domestication phase, cats likely adapted well to human surroundings,” he explains. “Their ecological flexibility enabled them to thrive. They have coexisted with humans in various urban and suburban areas and even traveled with them over great distances, showcasing their evolutionary success.”

In a related study, Luo Shujing and her team from Peking University investigated 22 sets of feline remains from China, dating back over 5,000 years, while analyzing genomes from 130 modern and ancient Eurasian cat specimens. They identified a different wildcat species, the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), which is native to East Asia.

“These cats were likely drawn to human settlements due to the abundance of rodents, but they were never genuinely domesticated,” states Luo.

The findings show that true domestic cats made their way to China significantly later, around 1,300 years ago during the Tang Dynasty. Genomic data connects these cats to those originating from the Middle East and Central Asia, suggesting they arrived in China via the Silk Road through traders.

Despite a relationship that lasted over 3,500 years, leopard cats were ultimately never domesticated and reverted to their natural habitats, according to Luo.

“We often get inquiries from the public about whether it’s feasible to keep these adorable ocelots as pets, particularly if raised from youth,” she remarks. “My straightforward response is: Forget it. Our ancestors tried for over 3,000 years and didn’t succeed.”

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