Cat Breed Evolution

Introduction

The evolution of domestic cat breeds is a long and interesting tale that started in 7500 BC in what was then called the Near East. These cats began their descent into the common domestic cat around 4400 BC when they began a mutually beneficial relationship with the earliest farmers. In return for helping control rodent populations and providing company, these animals got food and protection from the elements. Different breeds began to appear when artificial selection led to the wide range in size, color, and behavior shown in modern day cats, whose Latin name is Felis catus.

There are many different ideas on how cats evolved to become domesticated like they are today. The most prevalent idea is that cats were able to board shipping line ships and travel around the world starting in 2000 BCE. These cats stayed by the human’s side as feral pets, but were never fully controlled. They still hunted for their own food and bred how they wanted. This great migration of cats began in Western Asia and spread to Western Europe, the Mediterranean, and Africa.

Over time, around 1700 BCE, the demand for Egyptian cats increased 10 fold because of their beautiful fur and friendly dispositions. This led to a “cat trading ban” around 1500 BCE but by that time, cats had infiltrated most homes, hunting parties, and cities.

Electron micrograph of the Ebola Zaire virus. This was the first photo ever taken of the virus, on 10/13/1976. By Dr. F.A. Murphy, now at U.C. Davis, then at the CDC.[1].

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Legend/credit: Electron micrograph of the Ebola Zaire virus. This was the first photo ever taken of the virus, on 10/13/1976. By Dr. F.A. Murphy, now at U.C. Davis, then at the CDC.
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Section 1 Genetics

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Section 2 Microbiome

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References

Edited by Katianna Blackwell-Scott, student of Joan Slonczewski for BIOL 116 Information in Living Systems, 2021, Kenyon College.