Domestication of the dog and cat
Table of Contents
- Domestication of the dog and cat
- Canis lupus
- Canis lupus familiaris
- Taxonomy of the dog
- Domestication of a species
- Self-domestication theory
- Effects of domestication (1 of 4)
- Effects of domestication (2 of 4)
- Effects of domestication (3 of 4)
- Effects of domestication (4 of 4)
- What about cats?
- Taxonomy of the cat
- Felis sylvestris lybica: African Wildcat
- Felis sylvestris lybica: African Wildcat, cont.
- History of the Domestic Cat
- Cats at companions
- Cats at companions, cont.
- Image Sources
Text and Images from Slide
History of the Domestic Cat
- First signs of domestication in Egypt
- Utilitarian and spiritual role
- Protected and adorned species
- From adorned to scorned in Middle Ages
A bronze statue of the Ancient Egyptian cat goddess Bastet
Lecture Notes
So how did cats come to live in close proximity to humans? The earliest signs of domestication were found in ancient Egypt. It is believes the initial cause of domestication likely involved a utilitarian role of cats as predators. There were many rodents in Egyptian granaries, for example, and cats were adept at keeping the rodent numbers in check.
It is also believes that cats held a spiritual significance and were considered a deity in some cultures. They enjoyed several centuries as a protected and adorned species.
In the Middle Ages, however, the cat's place in society underwent a shift, and they began to be scorned by many due to perceived associations with female sensuality and witchcraft. It really is a fascinating history for those of you who wish to look into it further.