Language
Country/Area
No result found
The surprising truth about cat behavior: How different are the personalities of wild and domestic cats?
Cats, these cute creatures that often appear in our daily lives, have significantly different personalities from wild cats. As scientists delve deeper into the origins of cats, they are gradually uncovering how they went from wild hunters to the domestic pets they are today. How big is the difference in personality between wild cats and domestic cats?
The origin of cats
The domestic cat is descended from the African wild cat, Felis sylvestris lybica, which is found in the Near East and Egypt. Research suggests that all domestic cat breeds descend from the same species, Felis catus, and that this process may have occurred multiple times independently rather than as a single event. This makes the connection between domestic cats and wild cats unclear.
Existing DNA studies and in-depth genetic techniques are helping to unravel the evolutionary history of domestic cats. The study also suggests that the early domestication of domestic cats occurred much earlier than previously thought.
Genes and Evolution
According to a 2007 study, scientists analyzed the mitochondrial DNA of about 1,000 cats from different regions and found five genetic lineages of wild cats. These lineages include different subspecies from Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The study shows that African wildcats (F. s. lybica) are almost indistinguishable from domestic cats, confirming the origin of domestic cats.
Behavioral Differences
Wild cats, such as the European wildcat, often display greater fear and aggression than domestic cats. Genetic differences in these behavioral traits suggest that domestic cats may have become more docile through a long process of selection.
Genetic analysis suggests that apparent behavioral differences between domestic and wild cats may be due to being different species.
Differences among domestic cat breeds
Most modern cat breeds are the result of artificial breeding in the past 150 years, focusing on appearance characteristics rather than actual function. Compared to other domesticated animals, domestic cats are less genetically different from wild cats because there is constant gene exchange between the two.
There are currently 40 to 50 known genetically distinct breeds of cats, compared to 65 to 100 breeds of other domestic animals.
Modern varieties and future trends
By 1871, only five cat breeds were recognized. Today, the Cat Association of America (CFA) recognizes 41 cat breeds, and The International Cat Association (TICA) recognizes 57. This shows the rapid development of cat breeding and selection in a short period of time.
Using DNA testing, scientists have been able to trace cat breeds back to their common ancestor, which could mean a much better understanding of cat behaviour in the future.
The evolution of cats makes us reflect on what makes domestic cats have such big personality differences from their wild relatives?
