The Incredible Story of How the Cat Successfully Tamed Humans
Contrary to popular assumption, the notion that all domesticated animals are tamed by humans does not seem to apply to cats. Evidence has revealed that the endearing and affectionate relationship between cats and humans, as we observe today, actually originated as a relationship of convenience.
Cats happened to be among the first animals to recognize the perilous nature of humans and successfully subdue their aggressive tendencies towards anything outside their species.
While the larger canines (wolves, jackals) and felines (leopards, tigers) were unfortunate in this regard, small felines (cats) quickly understood that displaying aggressive behaviors in the presence of humans would be self-destructive and not to their advantage.
Thus, around 8000 years ago, the ancestors of modern-day cats began seeking ways to be helpful to humans by hunting mice, which were pests to agricultural produce.
Through their apparent usefulness, cats are tolerated by humans. Cats understand that mitigating their inherent aggression and continuously proving their value is instrumental in keeping humans content without appearing threatening.
Over time, this convenient relationship evolves into a mutual bond. It is possible that, after years of coexisting based on convenience, cats noticed humans’ social tendencies and inclination to live in groups.
In an effort to please humans and maintain their tolerance, cats gradually find ways to integrate into human society as members of the community. In doing so, they abandon their wild tendencies, as taming humans does not require them.
From their mutual relationship, cats may have noticed the affection shown by humans for the specific characteristics they exhibit. Perhaps their lack of fear around humans provides insight into what keeps humans happy and causes them to forget their primitive nature of harming anything they perceive as a threat to themselves and their society. Additionally, the seemingly purring sounds they emit when cuddled by humans could further contribute to this understanding.
Furthermore, evidence suggests that across the Middle East and Asia continents, where cats were first found to exist, they are revered as animals of significance in the traditions of these regions.
In Egypt, for instance, cats were revered for their divine power and considered sacred. Ancient Egypt even had a goddess named Bastet, depicted as half feline, half woman. Similar to the Egyptian Pharaohs, even deceased cats in ancient Egypt were mummified.
Undoubtedly, the small felines quickly realized the significant value attributed to them by their human counterparts, particularly in this region. Consequently, they understood the importance of maintaining a proper attitude to ensure that this perception among humans would persist.
After all, if humans regard them as gods, why would they want to behave otherwise, especially when it results in humans being docile around them?
The history of cat domestication is, in fact, a narrative that caters to humans’ desire for dominance. However, the truth is quite the opposite. Cats, whose remarkable powers of observation are often underestimated by humans, possess independent thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Over the years, they have meticulously studied human emotions to determine the most effective way to navigate interactions and tame humans. Similarly, humans are not so different from other wild animals. Hunting is not solely for survival but also serves as a means to display might and strength.
To other animals, humans are perceived as wild animals, and there are valid reasons for such a perception. Cats coexist with their wild human counterparts, benefiting from their higher sense of organization.
Cats have dedicated time to observing and studying humans extensively. Their observations have provided them with the knowledge they need, which they have been utilizing ever since to tame humans.
The successful taming of humans by cats is evident in the widespread love and acceptance they receive worldwide. Even in regions historically hostile to cats, such as Europe, where they were once associated with witchcraft and occultism, they are now highly popular and cherished.
Nowadays, in the United States, the population of cats in household residences is estimated to be around 74 million, demonstrating the extent of our domestication and affection for cats.
This transition reflects our gradual shift from wild instincts, where we would kill animals for fun, to developing friendly and compassionate relationships with our beloved little feline species. This remarkable journey of house cats and human association indicates that domestication is not solely conducted by humans.
While it is undeniable that humans have domesticated many animals with wild ancestors for their own benefit, it is also intriguing to consider that humans themselves have been influenced and ‘domesticated’ by cats, stemming from the wild, primitive instincts of early humans, ultimately serving the survival and benefits of both species.
In this dynamic, cats serve as domesticators, while humans become domesticated.
References
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/domesticated-cats-dna-genetics-pets-science