The Truth About Cat Domestication: Were Cats Bred by Humans?
Discover how cats became domesticated and their unique relationship with humans over time.
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Cats were not bred by humans in the same way as dogs. They initially became companions by cohabiting with humans and mutually benefiting from this relationship. Domestication happened naturally over thousands of years as humans provided food and shelter, and cats helped control rodent populations. Unlike with dogs, selective breeding of cats is a more recent phenomenon and mainly for appearance or specific traits.
FAQs & Answers
- How did cats and humans first interact? Cats initially lived alongside humans, benefiting from food and shelter while helping control pests.
- What is the difference between dog and cat domestication? Unlike dogs, cats were not selectively bred for specific traits until recently; their domestication was more natural.
- Are all domestic cats descended from wildcats? Yes, domestic cats are believed to have descended from wildcats, forming a symbiotic relationship with humans.
- Why do humans keep cats as pets? Humans keep cats for companionship, pest control, and their unique personalities.