Who came first: cats or dogs? - briefly
The exact origins of domestic cats and dogs are debated among scientists, but it is generally agreed that cats were domesticated first, around 10,000 years ago in the Near East. Dogs followed several thousand years later, with their domestication beginning around 15,000 to 40,000 years ago, depending on the region.
Who came first: cats or dogs? - in detail
The question of who came first, cats or dogs, is one that has intrigued scientists and enthusiasts alike for decades. To provide a comprehensive answer, it's essential to delve into the evolutionary history of these two iconic animals.
Domestication of both cats and dogs can be traced back to ancient times, with the earliest evidence suggesting that dogs were domesticated first. Archaeological findings indicate that dogs were domesticated from wolves around 15,000 years ago in Eurasia. This process likely began when early humans started to interact more closely with wolf packs, selectively breeding them for desirable traits such as docility and usefulness in tasks like hunting and protection.
On the other hand, cats were domesticated much later, around 10,000 years ago in the Near East. The process of cat domestication is believed to have started when early agricultural societies attracted mice and rats due to their grain stores. Wildcats, particularly the African wildcat (Felis lybica), were drawn to these settlements by the abundant prey and began to interact with humans. Over time, humans selectively bred these cats for traits such as reduced aggression and friendliness towards humans.
It is worth noting that the domestication of dogs and cats occurred independently in different parts of the world and at different times. While dogs were first domesticated in Eurasia, cats were initially tamed in the Near East. This geographical separation further underscores the distinct evolutionary paths these animals took towards domestication.
In summary, based on archaeological evidence and scientific research, it is clear that dogs were domesticated before cats. The process of dog domestication began approximately 15,000 years ago, while cat domestication started around 10,000 years ago. This sequential development provides a clear answer to the question of who came first: dogs preceded cats in the journey from wild ancestors to beloved domestic companions.