New Genome Study Reveals Timing of Cat Domestication in Europe

Recent research has unveiled significant insights into the history of cat domestication, pinpointing the introduction of domestic cats into Europe from North Africa approximately 2,000 years ago. This revelation, stemming from a comprehensive genome study, challenges longstanding beliefs about when and how cats became integrated into human societies.

Revising the Timeline of Domestication

The study, led by Claudio Ottoni from the University of Rome Tor Vergata, indicates that domestic cats began their journey to Europe during the early imperial Roman period, likely facilitated by maritime trade routes. This research contradicts previous theories suggesting that domestication occurred much earlier, around 6,000 to 7,000 years ago, when early farmers migrated from the Near East.

According to the findings published in the journal Science, the earliest genomic evidence of domestic cats in Europe dates back to the first century AD. Ottoni stated, “We show that the earliest domestic cat genomes in Europe are found from the Roman imperial period onwards.” The study utilized genetic data from 97 archaeological sites, analyzing 225 cat bones, which spanned from around 10,000 years ago to the 19th century.

Key Discoveries about Cat Migration

The researchers discovered that remains from prehistoric sites predominantly belonged to wildcats, not early domestic cats. This underscores the notion that while dogs were the first animals domesticated by humans, cats followed much later, descending from the African wildcat.

Marco De Martino, a co-author of the study, emphasized the significance of the domestic cat’s introduction to Europe, stating, “Cats aren’t just another species arriving on a new continent. They’re an animal that became deeply integrated into human societies, economies, and even belief systems.” The research identified two distinct waves of cat introductions to Europe from North Africa.

About 2,200 years ago, wildcats were brought to Sardinia, forming the foundation of the island’s current wildcat population. However, these were not domestic cats. A separate influx from North Africa around two centuries later established the genetic lineage of modern domestic cats in Europe.

The study highlights a complex narrative of feline domestication, suggesting multiple regions and cultures in North Africa contributed to the process. Bea De Cupere, a zooarchaeologist and co-author, noted, “The timing of the genetic waves of introduction from North Africa coincides with periods when trade around the Mediterranean intensified strongly.” Cats likely traveled on ships as efficient rodent hunters but also held religious and symbolic significance.

In ancient Egypt, cats were revered, with deities associated with felines and royal families mummifying their pet cats for burial. The role of the ancient Roman army in disseminating domestic cats across Europe is evidenced by feline remains found at Roman military sites.

The earliest identified domestic cat in Europe, genetically similar to today’s breeds, dates between 50 BC and 80 AD from the Austrian town of Mautern, located near a Roman fort along the Danube River. While this study provides crucial insights into the introduction of domestic cats, Ottoni cautioned that it does not clarify the initial domestication timeline or location. “Cat domestication is complex,” he explained, “and what we can tell now is the timing of the introduction of domestic cats to Europe from North Africa.”

This research opens new avenues for understanding the intricate relationship between humans and cats, illuminating a shared history that has evolved over millennia.