The History of Cats and Humans: From Ancient Times to Today

Introduction to Cat-Human Coexistence

The history of cats and humans is as rich and enduring as the bond itself. While cats have long been companions to humans, the precise timeline of when they first began living closely with us remains a topic of exploration and debate among historians and researchers. In this article, we delve into the early chapters of this relationship, tracing the origins of cat domestication and the evidence that supports it.

Early Evidence of Human Cat Bond

The first evidence of cats living closely with humans dates back to around 9,500 years ago. In 2004, a remarkable discovery on Cyprus provided a groundbreaking insight into the origins of the human-cat relationship. A cat mummified alongside its human owner was unearthed, offering the earliest known evidence of a tamed cat in a human burial site (Smithsonian Magazine).

Domestication and Early Cat Breeding

The process of cat domestication did not begin as a deliberate effort. Cats, specifically wildcats, had already begun the process of domestication in response to the need for rodent control in early human settlements. In the fertile crescent, specifically in the region of Cyprus, African wildcats were attracted to early human settlements due to the presence of rodents, most notably the house mouse Mus musculus (Wikipedia).

Cats in Ancient Civilizations

The relationship between cats and humans evolved significantly over time. Cats were not just companions but also play a crucial role in protecting granaries and settlements from vermin. This mutual benefit led to a close bond between humans and cats.

Scandinavia and Viking Age Cats

In Scandinavia, the relationship between humans and cats is well-documented. By 400 BCE, domesticated cats were found in human graves, marking the beginning of their integration into human societies (Smithsonian Magazine). During the Viking Age, around 1,500 years later, the Vikings brought cats with them when they colonized new farming settlements, such as Iceland and Greenland. Cats were also present on their ships, possibly as a means of controlling rodent populations during their voyages (Wikipedia).

Escape to Vinland

One of the fascinating stories about cats and humans during this period is the presence of feral cats in Vinland, a region in North America discovered and settled by Viking explorers. While the exact number and origin of these cats are disputed, it is believed that some stray cats joined the colonists or were brought along for pest control (Wikipedia).

Modern Understanding of Cat Domestication

Our understanding of feline domestication has greatly evolved in recent years. We now know that cats domesticated themselves, not as a result of deliberate human domestication efforts. Instead, wildcats were attracted to early human settlements in search of food, particularly rodents. This commensal relationship between early farmers and tamed cats lasted for thousands of years, leading to the development of domesticated cats.

Role in Early Human Settlements

It is clear that cats played a significant role in early human settlements, particularly in protecting grain stores from rodents. The natural prowess of cats, with their sharp claws, murderous fangs, and appetites for rodents, made them valuable companions. Over time, humans and cats formed a mutually beneficial relationship, with humans providing a safe home and food, and cats providing protection from pests.

Today, we celebrate the long and rich history of cats and humans, a bond that has stood the test of time and continues to thrive. From ancient Cyprus to modern-day households, the story of our feline friends remains a fascinating chapter in the history of human civilization.