Cats Became Human Companions Later Than Many Think

In true cat style, cats took their time deciding when and where to bond with humans. This according to a recent study reported by BBC. Contrary to previous beliefs, the shift from wild creatures to beloved companions happened just a few thousand years ago. All modern cats descend from the same African wildcat species. The domestication process did not start in the Levant with the dawn of agriculture, but rather took place in North Africa. The ancient Egyptians played a crucial role in this, as their society revered cats and immortalized them in art and mummies. As cats became associated with humans, they traveled the world as cherished shipmates and pest controllers.