By Alex van der Walt

Felis silvestris lybica   African wildcat

Humans tolerated the presence of  wildcats, allowing them a certain proximity. Over generations, a symbiotic relationship developed between humans and cats.

Over thousands of years, this natural selection process resulted in wildcats that were increasingly comfortable around humans.

Felis Catus  Domestic Cat

the origin of cat domestication was believed to be in Egypt 3600 years ago. However, this conflicting evidence shows that human-cat interactions occurred much earlier than originally discovered - 9500 years ago in Cyprus

Over thousands of years, cats have gone from being tolerated visitors to cherished pets. Domesticated cats retain a high degree of independence and hunting instinct, reflecting their wild origins.

  African wildcat

Domestic Cat

We even have hairless cats today.

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