Did you know that less than a century ago, most cats did not live entirely indoors? For over 10,000 years, cats have led outdoor lives, sharing their environment with birds and wildlife.
Understanding the history of cats and their evolution alongside humans reveals that the concept of indoor cats is relatively recent. Even today, millions of cats continue to thrive outdoors, as they are biologically adapted to do so.
Origins of the Domestic Cat
Dear Lykkers! Cats began their fascinating relationship with humans around 10,000 to 12,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent, a region encompassing parts of modern-day West Asia. This was a time of significant human developments, including the advent of agriculture. As humans transitioned from nomadic lifestyles to permanent settlements, their stored grains attracted rodents.
The role of wildcats: Middle Eastern wildcats, scientifically known as Felis silvestris lybica, preyed on the abundant rodents in these settlements. Over time, they scavenged human garbage and decided to stay near these early farming communities.
The evolution of domestic cats: Over thousands of years, a new species of cat emerged—Felis catus. Today, all domestic cats, whether pets, strays, or feral cats, belong to this species.
Cats Travel the World
Cats formed mutually beneficial relationships with humans, with some scientists suggesting that they domesticated themselves. As prized hunters of rodents, cats traveled the globe with humans.
Evidence of early companionship: Archaeological evidence from a burial site in Cyprus, dating back 9,500 years, indicates that humans intentionally brought cats to the island.
Worship in ancient Egypt: Cats were revered in ancient Egypt, often mummified and adorned with golden jewelry to reflect their owners' status.
Introduction to Europe: After Egypt became a Roman province in 31 BC, cats became widespread in Europe by the 4th century AD. By this time, domestic cats showed physical traits like shorter skulls.
Literary mentions: Geoffrey Chaucer referenced cat doors in The Canterbury Tales during the 1380s.
Arrival in the Americas: Cats traveled on ships with explorers like Christopher Columbus and settlers aboard the Mayflower.
Service as mousers: Cats continued their work as rodent hunters, even serving as employees of the United States Postal Service in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The History of Cats: Part I
Video by Jackson Galaxy
Catering to Cats: Inventing the Indoor Cat
The shift to keeping cats indoors began with significant 20th-century innovations: refrigeration, kitty litter, and the accessibility of spaying and neutering.
Cat food: Unlike dogs, which evolved to survive on omnivorous diets, cats require high-protein diets. Before canned food and refrigeration became common in the 20th century, it was difficult to sustain indoor cats without hunting supplements.
Kitty litter: Before the discovery of clay litter in 1947, cats used outdoor spaces as their bathroom. The invention of litter boxes in the 1960s greatly increased the popularity of indoor cats.
Spaying and neutering: Before the 1930s, sterilization of pets was uncommon, and managing intact cats indoors was challenging. The development of spaying and neutering techniques improved the lives of both cats and their human companions.
Cats are Part of Our Environment
Cats have thrived alongside humans for thousands of years, with indoor-only living becoming common only in the past few decades. Despite this shift, community cats continue to live and thrive outdoors, playing a role in the natural ecosystem.
Respect for community cats: These cats are well-suited to outdoor life and should not be viewed as stray or abandoned pets. Their population is not the result of negligence but rather a long-standing co-evolution with humans.
Helping outdoor cats: Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs are an effective way to stabilize cat populations and improve coexistence between humans and community cats. TNR involves spaying or neutering cats, vaccinating them, and returning them to their outdoor homes, where they can live healthy lives.
The Balance Between Cats and Humans
Through TNR and other compassionate practices, society can support community cats while addressing human concerns. Stabilizing cat populations benefits everyone, reducing shelter euthanasia rates and saving resources for municipalities. By acknowledging cats' natural roles in the environment and supporting their needs, a harmonious coexistence can be achieved.
