Cats Domesticated 4,000 Years Ago in North Africa

Scientists have discovered that domestic cats first came to Europe about 2,000 years ago, during the time of the Roman Empire.

They likely arrived on ships that traveled across the Mediterranean Sea, helping to control mice.

This finding changes the old belief that cats were domesticated much earlier, around 6,000 to 7,000 years ago.

The study looked at the DNA of old cat bones from different places and times.

It showed that the earliest domestic cats in Europe were similar to modern cats and came from North Africa.

Cats became very important to humans, not just as pets but also in trade and culture.

For example, in ancient Egypt, cats were considered sacred and were even mummified.

The Roman army also helped spread domestic cats across Europe.

However, the study does not reveal exactly where and when cats were first domesticated, only when they arrived in Europe.