Felis catus (species)
- Scope note
- Domesticated member of the genus Felis. Domesticated in Egypt ca. 2,000 BCE, in Cyprus by 9,500 years ago, earlier elsewhere in the Middle East. In some taxonomies, Felis catus and Felis sylvestris are the same species. Ancient Egyptian affection and respect for the cat as predator led to the development of religious cat cults and temple worship of cats. Since tabby-like markings appear in the drawings and mummies of ancient Egyptian cats, present-day tabbies probably look much like the sacred cats of Egypt. Other variations of coat and body form have appeared over the centuries of domestication.
- Date of creation: 18-Nov-2024
Accepted term: 18-Nov-2024