When Were Cats Domesticated?

Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee

When you're cuddling up with your kitty, feeding and looking after them, it's hard to imagine that these little creatures once roamed the wild, surviving on their own without the care and companionship of humans.

But despite living alongside people for thousands of years, cats were once fierce hunters that didn't know the pleasures of being pampered, cuddled or fed regularly—or having their litter boxes cleaned by human hands! By understanding how cats were domesticated, we gain insight into their evolution and the unique bond they share with us. Read on to learn more about when cats were domesticated.

When Were Cats Domesticated?

Cats were domesticated around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent (modern-day Iraq, Israel and surrounding regions). Archaeological findings, including ancient burial sites, reveal that domesticated cats were found alongside human remains, showing a deepening relationship between the two species.¹

The Role of Cats in Human History

Throughout history, cats have been revered, feared and utilized in various ways. Ancient Egyptians famously worshipped cats, associating them with the goddess Bastet, who represented home and protection. Cats not only safeguarded food supplies from pests, but were also symbols of grace and beauty. They were so highly regarded that they were often mummified and buried with their owners.²

In other regions, such as Europe and Asia, cats continued their role as protectors of food storage, particularly during the Middle Ages. As their value spread, domesticated cats became common in households worldwide, solidifying their place in human society. However, despite their popularity as pets, cats were often linked to witches and the occult, with many cultures viewing them as mysterious familiars or symbols of dark magic.³

How Were Cats Domesticated?

Unlike dogs, which were actively bred for specific tasks, cats were domesticated more naturally. Wildcats, particularly the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica), adapted to human settlements by taking advantage of food supplies. Over time, these wildcats began to tolerate humans, and the mutual benefits of pest control and food availability facilitated the domestication process.⁴

The rise of agriculture played a pivotal role in cat domestication. As humans began storing surplus grain, rodents were attracted, and in turn, so were wildcats. The cats' natural ability to hunt mice and rats made them valuable allies to early human communities, gradually leading to domestication.⁴

Domesticated Cat Ancestors

The domesticated cats we know and love today trace their roots back to wild ancestors, specifically the African wildcat. These wildcats, native to the Middle East, North Africa and parts of Asia, are considered the closest relatives to modern domestic cats.⁴

Those early wildcats were solitary hunters who thrived in open landscapes, such as savannas, forests and scrublands. They played a crucial role in their ecosystems by controlling rodent populations.⁴

Genetic studies have revealed that modern domestic cats are remarkably similar to their wild ancestors. This is why even today, domesticated cats exhibit many wild traits, such as territorial behavior and hunting instincts. Despite thousands of years of domestication, these traits remain deeply embedded in the genetic code of our pets.⁵

Read these important things to know before getting a cat.

Domesticated Cats vs. Wildcats

Physically, domesticated indoor cats tend to be smaller and have rounder faces and softer coats compared to wildcats' leaner, more angular features. Behaviorally, domesticated cats have become more social and tend to bond with humans and other pets. Despite this, they still retain their hunting instincts and territorial behavior, often showing hunting habits like stalking and pouncing even in the comfort of their homes.⁶

Here are some other key differences between wildcats and domesticated cats:⁶

• Diet and digestion: Domesticated cats have longer intestines to handle a less meat-heavy diet, while wildcats primarily consume meat and have shorter intestines.

• Adrenal glands: Domestic cats have smaller adrenal glands, as their lifestyle involves fewer threats compared to wildcats, which rely on these hormones more frequently.

• Vocalization: Domesticated cats can purr but cannot roar, unlike wildcats such as lions and tigers that can roar but cannot purr.

Behavior of Domesticated Cats

Domestication has made cats more affectionate, though they still retain a high degree of independence. If you've adopted a cat, you likely know that many kitties form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy spending time with them.⁷

However, their independent nature can make them seem aloof at times, a characteristic inherited from their wild ancestors. Early socialization also plays a crucial role in their temperament, with kittens exposed to humans and other animals more likely to grow into friendly, well-adjusted adult cats.

Diet: Then vs. Now

The dietary changes between wildcats and domesticated cats are significant. Wildcats were strict carnivores, relying solely on meat from their prey. They ate the entire carcass, which ensured they received the nutrients, vitamins and minerals such as calcium from the organ meat and bones.

In contrast, domesticated cats now have access to commercial cat food, which often contains added nutrients and vitamins derived from organ meats for a balanced diet—a nod to their wild ancestors. While their protein needs remain the same, domesticated cats no longer need to hunt for their food, relying on their human caretakers for nourishment.

Breeding and the Evolution of Cat Breeds

Early domesticated cats evolved through natural selection, adapting to live alongside humans without intentional breeding. However, starting in the 19th century, selective breeding began to create distinct cat breeds, focusing on traits like size, coat color and temperament. This led to modern breeds like Persians and Siamese, which show clear physical differences from their ancestors.⁸

While early domesticated cats were lean and uniform, modern cats vary in size, coat length and facial features. The changes in coat patterns and physical traits are primarily a result of human-directed breeding.⁶

Are Cats Fully Domesticated?

There's an ongoing debate about whether cats are fully domesticated or semidomesticated. While domesticated cats have adapted to human homes, they still retain many wild instincts like hunting and territorial behaviors.⁹

However, the way they have adapted to better communicate with humans is truly remarkable. For instance, studies of wild, unowned cats in southern England show that meowing is rare among them. In fact, researchers suggest that cats may have fine-tuned their vocalizations to match humans' natural preference for higher-pitched sounds, demonstrating their ability to adapt to human communication preferences.⁹

Pets Best Is Here To Help

The domestication of cats is a fascinating tale of mutual benefit and natural selection. From their wild ancestors to their place as our beloved pets, cats have evolved alongside humans in ways that continue to amaze. While they are more sociable today, their wild instincts remain, making them both independent and affectionate.

To help keep your cat happy and healthy, Pets Best cat insurance can provide valuable support in ensuring their ongoing care. If you ever have questions or need guidance on your cat's care, our 24/7 Pet Helpline is always available. Whether it's urgent medical concerns or behavioral advice, our team of veterinary experts is ready to assist through phone, live chat or email.

Sources/ Citations

1. “The History of the Domestic Cat," (n.d.), Alley Cat Allies, https://www.alleycat.org/resources/the-natural-history-of-the-cat/
2. “Deities in Ancient Egypt - Bastet," (n.d.), Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, https://egyptianmuseum.org/deities-Bastet
3. “Cats in the Middle Ages: What medieval manuscripts teach us about our ancestors' pets," Madeleine S. Killacky (12/2022), The Conversation, https://theconversation.com/cats-in-the-middle-ages-what-medieval-manuscripts-teach-us-about-our-ancestors-pets-195389
4. “The origins of cats," (2/2025), International Cat Care, https://icatcare.org/articles/the-origins-of-cats
5. "Our Wild Companions: Domestic cats in the Anthropocene," Sarah L. Crowley et al. (6/2020), Trends in Ecology & Evolution. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169534720300100
6. “The Very Few Differences Between Wild and Domesticated Cats," (4/2021), Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates, https://www.beverlyhillsvets.com/blog/the-very-few-differences-between-wild-and-domesticated-cats/
7. “My Cat and Me—A Study of Cat Owner Perceptions of Their Bond and Relationship," Mauro Ines et al. (5/2021), Animals, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8228645/
8. "Persian, " (n.d.), The Cat Fanciers' Association, https://cfa.org/breed/persian/
9. “The big idea: Are cats really domesticated?" Jonathan B. Losos (6/2023), The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/jun/05/the-big-idea-are-cats-really-domesticated