Who was domesticated first: cat or dog? - briefly
The exact timeline of when cats and dogs were first domesticated is not definitively known, but it is generally accepted that dogs were domesticated before cats. Dogs have been found in human graves dating back over 14,000 years, while the earliest evidence of cat domestication dates to around 9,500 years ago.
Who was domesticated first: cat or dog? - in detail
The question of which animal was domesticated first, the cat or the dog, has intrigued scientists and historians alike for centuries. To understand the origins of these two beloved companions, it is essential to delve into the archaeological record and genetic evidence that shed light on their domestication processes.
Dogs, scientifically known as Canis lupus familiaris, are believed to have been the first animals to be domesticated from wolves. This process began approximately 15,000 to 40,000 years ago, with the earliest evidence of dog domestication coming from Europe and Asia. The remains of dogs buried alongside humans in Siberia date back around 20,000 years, suggesting a close bond between early humans and their canine companions. Over time, dogs have evolved into a wide variety of breeds, each adapted to different roles such as hunting, herding, guarding, and companionship.
Cats, on the other hand, were domesticated from the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica) around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent region of the Middle East. The earliest evidence of cat domestication comes from a grave site on Cyprus dating back to around 9,500 years ago, where a human was buried with a cat. This discovery indicates that cats were valued and cherished by early humans, likely for their ability to control pests such as rodents that threatened food supplies. Over time, cats have spread across the world, becoming beloved pets in various cultures.
In summary, while both dogs and cats have played significant roles in human history, the evidence points to dogs being domesticated first. The process of dog domestication began thousands of years earlier than that of cats, with the earliest archaeological finds supporting this timeline. Nevertheless, both animals have evolved to become integral parts of human societies, offering companionship and practical assistance in numerous ways.