Face it Feline Fans-Your Cat is a Wild Animal
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Does your cuddly feline seem to think he’s the vicious wildcat from hell? In point of fact, he’s got it almost right. A recent study finds that genetically speaking, our house cats aren’t very different from their wild cousins, despite thousands of years of domestication, Time reports. “We believe we have created the first preliminary evidence that depicts domestic cats as not that far removed from wildcat populations,” the study’s senior author tells the Los Angeles Times, which calls house cats “only semi-domesticated.”
Researchers compared the genomes of domestic cats with wildcats, the Guardian reports; the results showed how the “domestic” animals have kept their excellent hearing and vision, among other abilities.
A recent study suggests cats and humans have lived side-by-side for some 5,700 years, though the Times puts the figure closer to 9,000. Living with the animals doesn’t, however, mean we made them our own; in fact, it’s only in the past two centuries that humans have exerted a strong influence on their breeding. What’s more, some domestic cats continue to mate with wildcats.
Humans have, however, influenced cats’ looks, helping to drive selection for appealing colors. We’ve also made them at least somewhat more docile, the researchers say—thanks, in part, to stroking them. People may have been more likely to breed cats who were into petting and getting treats, the Guardian reports. (Speaking of critters here are some hot new holiday safety tips for your and your pet.)
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Dogs are ‘man’s best friend’ simply because they have happily become ‘domesticated’. Cats merely ‘use’ us as a source of food and warmth.
As a cat lover (and dog lover and, indeed, animal lover) I accept that is what a cat does.
Cats retain their ‘wild instincts’ for hunting yet, they can be incredibly affectionate once they realise you have accepted that they are in charge 😉
A home isn’t a home without either a dog or a cat – preferably both.
Let’s face it….they don’t answer back like a wife eh? 😉