The Enigma of Feline Domestication: Why Did Early Humans Want Cats?

For centuries, the notion that cats domesticated themselves has intrigued historians and biologists alike. One of the primary reasons early humans may have sought the company of these felines was their invaluable ability to control rodent populations. This ability proved crucial during times when food stored in granaries faced threats from rodents, such as during the winter months.

The Role of Cats in Grain Protection

Cats and Rodent Control: Early humans stored grain to ensure survival during harsh seasons like winter. Rodents were a significant threat to these grain stores. By keeping mice at bay, cats played a crucial role in ensuring the food supply for early human settlements. These predatory behavior patterns suggest that the relationship between cats and early humans was mutualistic. Cats received food and a warm place to live, while early humans benefited from the reduction in rodent populations that threatened their stored food.

Historical Precedents: Cats on Naval Ships

The historical significance of cats extends beyond the agricultural era. In fact, as late as the 1970s, naval ships still relied on felines to control rodent populations. The practice of keeping cats on naval ships is an extension of their reputation as natural predators, with the added benefit of providing a source of companionship to sailors.

The Domestication of Cats: Despite their usefulness, house cats are not fully domesticated. Many retain predatory instincts and may even attack their human caregivers. This tendency can be particularly alarming when the cat is large and formidable, as seen when a 400-pound feline demonstrates aggressive behavior akin to that of a wild cat. This behavior is not only concerning for the human but also highlights the fact that house cats are far less domesticated compared to dogs, which have been domesticated for over 33,000 years.

Key Differences Between Cats and Dogs

Selective Domestication vs Natural Association: The domestication of dogs is a well-documented selective process that spanned thousands of years. In contrast, the relationship between humans and cats evolved more naturally, with cats choosing to live near humans due to the abundance of food and shelter. However, while dogs were selectively bred for specific traits, such as herding or hunting, there was no such selective process in the story of cat domestication.

Example of Feline Behavior: While cats can be playful and affectionate, they also exhibit a level of aloofness that makes them less trainable than dogs. The extended period of domestication for dogs (33,000 years) versus cats (5,000 to 6,000 years) is a significant factor in this difference. Despite some big cats exhibiting similar behaviors, house cats are still more docile and less predatory than their wild counterparts.

A Holistic View of Feline Domestication

Sharing Warmth and Mutual Benefit: The benefits of living near humans not only extended to the protection of grain stores but also to warmth during cold winters. Cats huddled with humans, and vice versa, creating a mutual benefit scenario where both species thrived.

The Conclusion: Cats Domesticated Themselves: While some may argue that humans played a role in the domestication of cats, the evidence suggests that cats chose to live near humans for the obvious benefits. They found that attracting early humans with their cute demeanor resulted in a steady food supply and a warm living environment. This mutualistic relationship allowed cats to thrive and live in close proximity to humans, leading to the gradual domestication process that we see today.

Final Thought

Through the lens of survival, mutual benefit, and gradual domestication, the history of cats living near humans becomes clearer. Cats did not seek to be domesticated by humans; instead, they capitalized on the opportunities presented by early human settlements. Their natural traits, combined with a bit of natural selection, have allowed them to be the beloved companions they are today.