Domestic Cat

## Evolutionary Timeline of the Domestic Cat The domestic cat (*Felis catus*) traces its lineage back to the Felidae family, which emerged around 25 million years ago. Key evolutionary pressures included adapting to diverse environments, predation strategies, and later, human-influenced domestication. Major transitions involved the shift from arboreal ancestors to agile ground hunters, with domestication driven by agricultural societies needing pest control. ### Key Milestones: - **Oligocene (25-30 million years ago)**: Emergence of early felids like *Proailurus*, adapting to forested environments with climbing abilities to hunt small prey. - **Miocene (10-20 million years ago)**: Divergence of small cat lineages from *Pseudaelurus*, influenced by climate changes and grassland expansion, enhancing agility and stealth. - **Pliocene-Pleistocene (3-5 million years ago)**: Origin of the *Felis* genus, including the African wildcat (*Felis silvestris lybica*), shaped by aridification and the need for efficient hunting in open terrains. - **Holocene (10,000 years ago)**: Domestication in the Near East, where wildcats associated with human settlements for rodent control, leading to genetic changes for tameness and varied coat patterns.