Who is the Original Cat? Discover the Ancestor of All Domestic Cats

Learn about Felis silvestris lybica, the African wildcat, and its role as the ancestor of today's domestic cats.

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The original cat can refer to Felis silvestris lybica, the African wildcat, believed to be the ancestor of all domestic cats today. This species was first domesticated in the Near East around 7500 BC, making it the foundational lineage from which all house cats are descended.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What species is considered the ancestor of domestic cats? The ancestor of domestic cats is Felis silvestris lybica, also known as the African wildcat.
  2. When were domestic cats first domesticated? Domestic cats were first domesticated around 7500 BC in the Near East.
  3. How does the African wildcat relate to house cats today? The African wildcat is the foundational lineage from which all house cats today are descended.
  4. What is the significance of the African wildcat in feline history? The African wildcat's domestication marks the beginning of the human-cat relationship, influencing the development of domestic cats.