Domestic Cats Were Not the First Felines To Live With Humans, Study Reveals
Summary
A study in China shows that leopard cats, not domestic cats, were the first felines to live with humans in the region. These leopard cats lived in human settlements over 5,400 years ago, long before domestic cats arrived via trade routes around 700 CE.Key Facts
- Researchers found that leopard cats lived with humans in China about 5,400 years ago.
- Domestic cats came to China around 700 CE via the Silk Road trade routes.
- Six out of seven feline bones found in old Chinese sites were from leopard cats.
- Leopard cats likely helped with pest control by hunting rodents in human areas.
- The Tang Dynasty (706–883 CE) is the earliest confirmed period for domestic cats in China.
- Domestic cats traced back to the Levant region and spread via ancient trade routes.
- Evidence suggests leopard cats started semi-domestication by benefiting from human environments.
- Leopard cats disappeared after the Han Dynasty due to colder conditions and social changes.
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