Despite all we thought we knew about domestic cats, that they saved the granaries of ancient Egypt from rodent infestations, we learned more than three years ago that the domestic cat predated the golden age of Ancient Egypt (4,000 – 5,500 years ago).  In fact, we were surprised to learn domesticated felines had been discovered as far back as 9,500 years ago.  And look at what we’ve now learned:

Some 10,000 years ago, somewhere in the Near East, an audacious wildcat crept into one of the crude villages of early human settlers, the first to domesticate wheat and barley. There she felt safe from her many predators in the region, such as hyenas and larger cats.

The rodents that infested the settlers’ homes and granaries were sufficient prey. Seeing that she was earning her keep, the settlers tolerated her, and their children greeted her kittens with delight.

At least five females of the wildcat subspecies known as Felis silvestris lybica accomplished this delicate transition from forest to village. And from these five matriarchs all the world’s 600 million house cats are descended.

The article is fascinating and provides a great insight into the history of America’s most popular pet (ugh! how I hate that word—pet. . .), let alone the most successful predator, the deadliest predator, the most diverse hunter on the planet.

And if you have or have ever had a feline companion, this comes as no surprise:

Unlike other domestic animals, which were tamed by people, cats probably domesticated themselves, which could account for the haughty independence of their descendants.

Haughty independence. . .  Now there’s an understatement of galactic proportions!