During the Neolithic period in the Fertile Crescent, farmers began to use domestic cats as a form of pest control. They kept the animals around their settlements to eat rodents and other varmin. They also provided company and protection from the elements. During this time, cats were also known to have good luck. In fact, cats were believed to have an ability to attract mice to their homes.
Over the course of several thousand years, cats became more sociable. They also gained a wider range of coat colors and patterns. In addition, they developed a series of noises that could be used to communicate with humans. These sounds include the meow, which is used to express happiness and frustration. Cats also developed vertically slit pupils that enabled them to pounce on their prey.
The cat family, Felidae, has experienced rapid evolution in the past eleven million years. During this period, the carnivora family, which includes the sabertooth and mesonychids, split into caniforms, which include the feliforms. Caniforms include the larger, true cats, such as the lion and leopard, as well as the dog-like civet and mongoose. They also include hyaenas and meerkats. These animals are generally meat-eaters and have retractable claws.
The cat family also split into sub-species, including the felis. The felis are the descendants of the domesticated cat and the wildcats of ancient times. They have shorter faces and retractable claws. They are also known to be more tamer and more amiable than their wild cousins.
According to the Ottoni study, cats migrated from Africa to Europe. The cats were brought along on ships and urban settlements, likely to kill rodents. Cats have also been found in archaeological sites across Africa and Europe. They may have been attracted to the urban settlements in Africa.
A team of geneticists and archaeologists from Europe and the Middle East collected DNA from the bones of ancient cats. The bones came from archaeological sites in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. Researchers used the remains to study genetic markers that may have provided clues about cat migration. They also analyzed the DNA from the remains of modern cats. The skeletal structure of the cats suggested that they shared a common ancestor in Asia. They also traced a gene, the Edn3, that is responsible for the black coloration of cats.
In addition, they traced a gene that is responsible for spacing splotches on the tabby cat’s fur. These genes were influenced by fear, a factor that faced strong evolutionary pressure throughout the history of cats. The Taqpeq gene was found to be responsible for the splotches’ shape. This could have helped ancient humans to spot animals in crowds.
In addition to their ability to sense the sound of their prey, cats also have keen senses of sight and hearing. They can also be incredibly intelligent and can detect sounds in their surroundings. They are also very social creatures, and their sociability has led them to be friends with humans.
