The Origins of Feline Companionship
In celebration of International Cat Day, let's journey back to where it all began. Around 10,000 to 12,000 years ago, somewhere in the fertile crescent in the Middle East, humans met cats. These weren’t the same cats that we have today, and they weren’t there for companionship; instead, they were there for the rodents our newly formed agriculture had attracted.
Archaeological Evidence Of Early Cat Domestication
As early as 9,500 years ago, we have archeological evidence of not only cats in the fertile crescent but also signs of a relationship and steps toward domestication. The remains of a child in Cyprus were found buried with the remains of a cat - something that wouldn’t have been done if there wasn’t a bond between the child and the cat. There is also evidence in China of 5300-year-old cat bones that indicate the evolution of cats from prehistoric cats to domesticated darlings. There are also 400-year-old paintings of Egyptian cats.
Relationship Between Humans And Wildcats In the Fertile Crescent
Humans and the first domesticated cat had a purely transactional relationship, with cats killing rodents and being allowed to stay inside. This slowly developed into a reciprocal relationship of both feeding and care.
From Wild to Domestic: How It Happened
It can be argued that cats domesticated themselves to an extent, coming to our land for food, finding that humans enjoy furry things, and leaving kittens with select, safe humans. From there, we would welcome them more into our lives and homes.
Ancient Civilizations and Cats
Cats were seen as divine companions, sometimes literal deities or messengers of the gods’, and as pest control—so not much has changed in the modern day!
The Oldest Cat Breeds
With cats having been around for so long there are some cat breeds that can trace their heritage back thousands of years. From Ancient Egypt to Thailand, and even over to the Nordic countries, cats are a worldwide phenomenon, and they’re here to stay!
Egyptian Mau: The Pharaonic Feline
The Egyptian Mau is, as you can imagine, from Egypt and may be the oldest cat breed. This specific breed may have been named after the noise they made. Whilst being an affectionate and outgoing breed, they are also now a rare breed.
Breed’s connection to Ancient Egypt
There is evidence of this cat living in Egypt as far back as 1400 BC. These cats may have been worshiped due to their association with the divine.
Siamese Cat: Mystical Origins
All the way from Thailand, PetMD says this breed is playful and affectionate. According to literature and poems from ancient Thai history, it’s said that anyone who owns this breed of cat will become wealthy.
Breed's role in royal courts and its journey to the West
In the royal courts of Siam, it was punishable by death to steal one of these cats, but it was also seen as a great honor to receive one as a gift. Eventually, by 1880 the British imported the breed, and that’s how these friendly felines ended up in the west.
Abyssinian: The Enigmatic Elegance
This breed of cat comes all the way from Ethiopia (known as Abyssinia at the time) and made its way through South-East Asia. The first records we can find of this cat actually come from a zoologist museum in the Netherlands, but some of the first alive cats recorded were judged in the 1871 Crystal Palace cat show.
Breed's resemblance to ancient Egyptian cats
The Abyssian and the Egyptian Mau look quite similar and have somewhat similar temperaments, but they differ in that Abyssians are larger and have reddish “ticked” coats, but Maus are tan or silver with spots.
Persian Cat: The Royal Companion
According to PetMD, records of the Persian cat date back to the 1600s. These lovable furballs have some health issues, but they are friendly and affectionate.
Persian cat's history back to ancient Persia (modern-day Iran)
Whilst a lot isn’t certain about the history of this breed we do know it started in Mesopotamia and Persia. It’s thought that Persians would travel the world with their cats in caravans, eventually landing in the heart of Queen Victoria.
Chartreux: The French Blue
These loving cats also have a somewhat muddled history. What we do know is that they come from France and are a somewhat rare breed thanks to the World Wars.
Breed's origins in France and its historical background
It’s said that these felines came with Catholic Monks to France. Others say the breed actually originated in Syria. The breed all but went extinct after World War II, but has been revived thanks to concerted breeding efforts.
Korat: The Silver Good Luck Charm
The Korat is a natural breed or a specialized domestic breed from Thailand. This affectionate and intelligent breed is said to have come from Thai temples.
Korat's history in Thailand and its significance in Thai culture
Only recently have we been able to buy Korat cats, previously, they were only ever given away. Korat cats are said to bring good luck and are given to newlyweds!
Russian Blue: The Aristocratic Gray
Curious and calm, the Russian Blue is a handsome cat that has a plush double coat.
Origins of the Russian Blue and its journey from Russia to the West
These cats seem to have come from the Arkhangelsk port in Russia. From there, the cat would make its way to Britain before capturing the hearts of American breeders post-World War II.
Norwegian Forest Cat: The Viking's Companion
Majestic with thick coats, the even temperament of these cats makes them ideal family pets.
History of the Norwegian Forest Cat in Scandinavia
It’s thought that this breed was brought to Norway by the Vikings. The breed nearly went extinct, only kept around by concerted breeding efforts.
Conclusion
With the different breeds of cats, there is no limit to the shape and size that your next furry friend will be, and the diversity of cat temperaments means you will always be able to find the right one for you! Once you've found your ideal kitty, a cat DNA test can help you uncover their specific breed, offering insights into their unique traits, temperament, and potential health needs. By understanding their breed, you can tailor their care—everything from diet to exercise—to ensure they live a happy and healthy life.
