New Genome Study Reveals Timeline of Cat Domestication in Europe

A groundbreaking genome study has shed light on the history of cat domestication, pinpointing a significant milestone in the relationship between humans and felines. Researchers have determined that domestic cats were introduced to Europe from North Africa around 2,000 years ago, coinciding with the early imperial Roman period. This finding challenges previous beliefs that domestication occurred much earlier, during prehistoric times.

The study, conducted by a team from the University of Rome Tor Vergata and published in the journal Science, highlights the role of maritime trade in this introduction. It is believed that sailors brought domestic cats aboard their ships to control rodent populations while transporting grain from Egypt to various ports across the vast Roman Empire.

According to lead author and paleogeneticist Claudio Ottoni, “We show that the earliest domestic cat genomes in Europe are found from the Roman imperial period onwards,” specifically starting in the first century AD. The research utilized genetic data from feline remains collected from 97 archaeological sites across Europe and the Near East, alongside modern cat samples. In total, the study analyzed 225 bones, generating 70 ancient feline genomes.

The findings revealed that earlier cat remains from prehistoric European sites belonged to wildcats, not domestic cats. This research emphasizes that while dogs were the first animals to be domesticated, descended from ancient wolves, domestic cats emerged later, tracing their lineage back to the African wildcat.

Significance of Early Domestic Cats

The introduction of domestic cats to Europe marks a pivotal moment in their integration into human societies. As co-author Marco De Martino noted, “Cats aren’t just another species arriving on a new continent. They’re an animal that became deeply integrated into human societies, economies, and even belief systems.”

The genome analysis identified two separate introductions of cats from North Africa. Approximately 2,200 years ago, wildcats were brought to the island of Sardinia, which later contributed to the island’s current wildcat population. However, these early wildcats were distinct from the domestic cats introduced around 200 years later, which laid the genetic foundation for modern domestic cats in Europe.

This study underscores the idea that there was not a single core region of cat domestication, but rather multiple areas and cultures in North Africa that contributed to the process. According to zooarchaeologist and co-author Bea De Cupere, “The timing of the genetic waves of introduction from North Africa coincides with periods when trade around the Mediterranean intensified strongly.”

Cats in Ancient Civilizations

Cats held significant cultural importance in ancient civilizations, notably in ancient Egypt, where they were associated with feline deities and often kept as pets by royalty. Their presence on ships not only served practical purposes as hunters of mice but also reflected their symbolic status.

The Roman military played a crucial role in the spread of domestic cats throughout Europe, as evidenced by the discovery of feline remains at ancient Roman military camps. The earliest identified domestic cat in the study, genetically akin to modern domestic cats, was dated between 50 BC and 80 AD from the Austrian town of Mautern, a site that once housed a Roman fort along the Danube River.

While this study has clarified the timeline for the introduction of domestic cats to Europe, it does not fully unravel the complexities of their initial domestication. As Ottoni stated, “Cat domestication is complex, and what we can tell now is the timing of the introduction of domestic cats to Europe from North Africa. We can’t really say much about what happened before and where.”

This research marks a significant step in understanding the long-standing bond between humans and cats, revealing not just the historical timeline but also the cultural significance of these beloved animals.