Your cat may prefer store-bought treats to finding food for himself, and prefers a cozy spot on the couch instead of outside on the ground, but your pampered pet has more in common with feral cats than you might think many.
The domestic cat is believed to be the prodigy of an ancient wild cat species that likely lived in Asia 10-12 million years ago.
There’s been a lot of speculation about how our domestic cats ended up diverging from their wild roots, but evidence suggests that domestication of cats first occurred around 10,000 years ago. As cats grew closer to humans, they became tamer and domestic breeds began to emerge.
Today, the Cat Fanciers Association recognizes 45 breeds of purebred cats. Meanwhile, the International Cat Association recognizes 71.
No matter which organization you ask, each of these breeds has its own origin story.
Some are relatively new hybrids, but others are much older. Some cat breeds have been around for thousands of years.
It’s hard to pinpoint the exact date of origin for some of these ancient cats, but current evidence tells us that the following cats are some of the oldest in the world.
#1 Siam
origin:
?
Where the breed was originally established.
Thailand
high:
?
Typical adult height for an individual of the breed. Height is the distance from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.
8″ – 10″
Adult weight:
?
Typical adult weight range for this cat breed.
8-15 lbs
life:
?
The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all feline species, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.
15-20 years old
Easily recognizable by their “pointy” coat, clear blue eyes, and large ears, Siamese cats are the so-called “natural” cat breed. This means their coat patterns are the result of genetic mutations rather than human-influenced breeding.
These popular felines are believed to have originated near a sacred temple in what is now Thailand. The earliest known evidence of these distinctive cats comes from a Thai manuscript dating back to the 14th century. A text titled “Tamra Maew” (Cat Book Poem) refers to a black-faced domestic cat. The breed is believed to be associated with ancient Thai royalty and Buddhist monks.
#2 abyssinian cat
origin:
?
Where the breed was originally established.
Abyssinia (Ethiopia)
high:
?
Typical adult height for an individual of the breed. Height is the distance from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.
8”-10”
Adult weight:
?
Typical adult weight range for this cat breed.
8-12 lbs
life:
?
The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all feline species, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.
9-13 years old
Another ancient cat with remarkable physical features, the Abyssinian cat likely came from ancient Egypt. These elongated felines were highly valued in ancient Egyptian communities and were depicted on pottery and represented in hieroglyphics.
The ancient Abyssinian cat likely looked slightly different from its modern prodigy, but the breed was known for its soft body and large ears. Today, they are very robust felines and are popular for their rich, cinnamon-colored coat.
#3 norwegian forest cat
origin:
?
Where the breed was originally established.
Norway
high:
?
Typical adult height for an individual of the breed. Height is the distance from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.
9″ – 12″
Adult weight:
?
Typical adult weight range for this cat breed.
12-16 lbs
life:
?
The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all feline species, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.
14-16 years old
While the pharaohs fawned over Abyssinian cats, it is believed that the Vikings, who lived around AD 1000, were primarily responsible for taming the Norwegian forest cat. Ancient versions of these big cats were used as pest control on Viking ships.
By controlling the rat population, these cats also help control disease and preserve food reserves. Their valuable position on the ship keeps them in close contact with humans. This is also how the breed spread to other parts of the world.
Like other breeds, the original Norwegian Forest Cat will likely look different from today’s version. One theory is that the breed is a mix of shorthaired Norwegian and longhaired cats, likely brought to Norway by the Crusaders. Regardless of how today’s cat acquired its stunning good looks, it is one of the oldest cat breeds in the world.
#4 bobtail
origin:
?
Where the breed was originally established.
Japan
high:
?
Typical adult height for an individual of the breed. Height is the distance from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.
10″-14″
Adult weight:
?
Typical adult weight range for this cat breed.
6-10 lbs
life:
?
The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all feline species, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.
12-16 years old
The Norwegian Forest cat is both an ancient cat and one of the largest cats, while the Japanese Bobtail is usually smaller. They usually weigh no more than 10 pounds, and because their hind legs are slightly longer than their front legs, they are often compared in appearance to rabbits.
The earliest records of this native Japanese cat come from wood chips and artwork dating back to the 6th century. Many people keep these cats because they are believed to bring good luck.
They also controlled rat populations on important silkworm farms and played an integral role in the ancient economy. At one point, they were even considered part of China’s ruling class, and ordinary citizens were not allowed to keep them as pets.
#5 siberian
origin:
?
Where the breed was originally established.
Russia
high:
?
Typical adult height for an individual of the breed. Height is the distance from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.
9″ – 11″
Adult weight:
?
Typical adult weight range for this cat breed.
17-26 lbs
life:
?
The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all feline species, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.
12-15 years old
Native to Russia, the Siberian cat is beloved both in its home country and around the world. It’s hard to pin down when this ancient feline first appeared, but it plays a central role in several Russian fairy tales. In many stories, these hardy cats protect children and make a world of difference.
Magical abilities aside, the Siberian cat is a natural feline that has evolved to survive harsh environments. It has a thick coat and is exceptionally strong and alert. One theory is that these furry cats were the original long-haired cats.
#6 Chartres
origin:
?
Where the breed was originally established.
France, Syria
high:
?
Typical adult height for an individual of the breed. Height is the distance from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.
8″-11″
Adult weight:
?
Typical adult weight range for this cat breed.
11-18 lbs
life:
?
The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all feline species, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.
11-15 years old
The best-known origin story of the ancient feline involves French monks who brewed wine and forged weapons. Monks are said to have bred this stout cat breed in their monastery. However, there is little evidence for this story.
What we do know is that a French biologist mentioned these blue cats in a textbook published in 1749. It is believed that their ancestors were brought to Europe by traders from Eastern countries.
Whether or not Chartreux was originally bred by monks, history is certain that monks have historically used them for pest control. They are revered for their waterproof fur, hunting prowess, and reticence.
#7 egyptian mau
origin:
?
Where the breed was originally established.
Egypt
high:
?
Typical adult height for an individual of the breed. Height is the distance from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.
11″-14″
Adult weight:
?
Typical adult weight range for this cat breed.
6-14 lbs
life:
?
The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all feline species, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.
12-15 years old
Finally, the Egyptian Mau is widely considered to be the oldest of the cat species. It’s not possible to say for sure whether this cat family arose before all others, but there is evidence that these ancient cats may have existed as early as 3,000 years ago.
The earliest known Egyptian rat has been found mummified and buried with the pharaoh. It is believed that these cats were with the deceased royals, accompanying them and guiding them into the afterlife.
According to Petfinder, the Egyptian Mau is the only naturally spotted domestic cat. Their spots make them look wild, but they are usually loyal companions to their favorite people. They don’t always like strangers, but if you earn the Mau’s trust, you’ll have a friend for life.
view resources
https://egyptianmaus.co.uk/Origins–and–history.php
https://www.petfinder.com/cat-breeds/egyptian-mau/
https://www.petfinder.com/cat-breeds/chartreux/
https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-breeds/japanese-bobtail
http://www.abyssiniandatabase.com/history.php
https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/siamese-cat-facts/
https://icatcare.org/advice/the-origins-of-cats/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0888754307002078
I am broadly interested in how human activities influence the ability of wildlife to persist in the modified environments that we create.
Specifically, my research investigates how the configuration and composition of landscapes influence the movement and population dynamics of forest birds. Both natural and human-derived fragmenting of habitat can influence where birds settle, how they access the resources they need to survive and reproduce, and these factors in turn affect population demographics. Most recently, I have been studying the ability of individuals to move through and utilize forested areas which have been modified through timber harvest as they seek out resources for the breeding and postfledging phases. As well I am working in collaboration with Parks Canada scientists to examine in the influence of high density moose populations on forest bird communities in Gros Morne National Park. Many of my projects are conducted in collaboration or consultation with representatives of industry and government agencies, seeking to improve the management and sustainability of natural resource extraction.