New Genome Study Reveals Timeline for Cat Domestication

A groundbreaking genome study has shed light on the timeline of cat domestication, pinpointing the introduction of domestic cats into Europe from North Africa approximately 2,000 years ago. Researchers from the University of Rome Tor Vergata, led by paleogeneticist Claudio Ottoni, published their findings in the journal Science, revealing that this significant event coincided with the height of maritime trade during the early Roman Empire.

The study indicates that domestic cats were likely brought to Europe by sailors who transported grain and other goods across the Mediterranean. Notably, these early felines may have served as pest controllers aboard ships, helping to manage rodent populations during voyages. This new evidence contradicts long-standing assumptions that domestication occurred much earlier, around 6,000 to 7,000 years ago, alongside early agricultural practices in the Near East.

According to Marco De Martino, co-author of the study, “We show that the earliest domestic cat genomes in Europe are found from the Roman imperial period onwards,” indicating a clear timeline starting from the first century AD. The researchers analyzed genetic material from 225 cat bones collected from 97 archaeological sites across Europe and the Near East, generating 70 ancient feline genomes. This comprehensive analysis revealed that prehistoric remains in Europe predominantly belonged to wildcats, rather than the domestic cats we know today.

The introduction of domestic cats marks a pivotal moment in human-animal relationships. Marco De Martino emphasized that cats became deeply integrated into human societies, influencing economies and belief systems. This integration began with the movement of cats from North Africa, with the study identifying two distinct introductions over time. The first, occurring roughly 2,200 years ago, involved wildcats brought to Sardinia, but these were not yet domesticated.

A later migration, approximately two centuries thereafter, contributed to the genetic foundation of today’s domestic cats in Europe. Bea De Cupere, a zooarchaeologist and co-author, noted that these genetic waves corresponded with intensified trade across the Mediterranean. Cats likely traveled as efficient hunters and held religious significance, particularly in ancient Egypt where they were revered as sacred animals.

The Roman army played a crucial role in the distribution of domestic cats throughout Europe, with evidence of their presence found at military camps. The earliest identified domestic cat in the study, genetically similar to contemporary domestic breeds, dates back to between 50 BC and 80 AD in the Austrian town of Mautern, a site of a Roman fort along the Danube River.

While this research offers valuable insights into the timeline of cat domestication, it does not clarify the exact origins of this process. Ottoni remarked on the complexity of cat domestication, stating, “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 study not only advances our understanding of feline history but also highlights the intricate relationships between species and their human counterparts, illustrating the cultural and economic impact of cats throughout history.