When and where were cats first domesticated?

It is unknown where cats were first domesticated, but it has been established they were so by c. 12,000 BCE in Mesopotamia.

Where did domesticated house cats come from?

Domesticated house cats came from wild cats and it has been established that wild cats lived among humans 100,000 years ago in Mesopotamia. These wild cats eventually befriended humans and were domesticated by them.

Were dogs or cats domesticated first?

Dogs were domesticated before cats. According to some cat owners, cats have never actually been domesticated.

Which ancient civilization is most closely associated with cats?

Ancient Egypt is the civilization most closely associated with cats as one of their most popular goddesses, Bastet, was envisioned as a cat or a woman with a cat's head.

A Gallery of Cats Through the Ages (Image Gallery) p. 12

Image Gallery

by Joshua J. Mark
published on 09 October 2024

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The Battle of Pelusium

by Simon Seitz
published on 28 April 2021

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The Battle of Pelusium — View Full-Size Image

Artist's impression of the Battle of Pelusium (525 BCE), showing the Persian army led by Cambyses II (525-522 BCE) on the left, and the Egyptian army led by Psametik III (526-525 BCE) on the right.

The battle was a decisive Persian victory brought about by the Persian's clever use of cats: As cats were sacred to the Egyptians, the Persian army herded cats (and other animals) in front of their battle line, and painted cats onto their shields. The Egyptians, afraid to hurt sacred cats and incurring the wrath of Bastet, were shaken and decisively defeated. Following the battle, Persia annexed Egypt.

*Original illustration by Simon Seitz for World History Encyclopedia.*

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Questions & Answers

When and where were cats first domesticated?: It is unknown where cats were first domesticated, but it has been established they were so by c. 12,000 BCE in Mesopotamia.
Where did domesticated house cats come from?: Domesticated house cats came from wild cats and it has been established that wild cats lived among humans 100,000 years ago in Mesopotamia. These wild cats eventually befriended humans and were domesticated by them.
Were dogs or cats domesticated first?: Dogs were domesticated before cats. According to some cat owners, cats have never actually been domesticated.
Which ancient civilization is most closely associated with cats?: Ancient Egypt is the civilization most closely associated with cats as one of their most popular goddesses, Bastet, was envisioned as a cat or a woman with a cat's head.

Add External Link

External Links

The History of the Domestic Cat

alleycat.org

The Evolution of House Cats | Scientific American

scientificamerican.com

The Origins Of Cats | International Cat Care

icatcare.org

Ship's Cat - National Maritime Historical Society

seahistory.org

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