China's First Domestic Cats Were Leopard Cats, Then Vanished for 600 Years.

The Origins of Domestic Cats in China

According to TSN.ua: Archaeological evidence reveals that the first cats to live alongside humans in China were leopard cats, which began cohabiting with people approximately 5,400 years ago. These wild felines were common inhabitants of human settlements until the 2nd century CE. However, following the collapse of the Han Dynasty, leopard cats disappeared from the archaeological record, leaving Chinese homes without feline companions for roughly six centuries.

The First True Domestic Cat and Its Cultural Impact

The first confirmed fully domestic cat was discovered in the city of Tongwan, dating to 730 CE. Genetic analysis indicates this cat descended from lineages originating in the Levant and Central Asia. Domestic cats began to be frequently depicted in tomb art during the Tang Dynasty, which spanned from the 7th to the 10th centuries. Most cats in historical Chinese art are shown with light-colored coats, suggesting these varieties were particularly popular and widespread among the population. This research highlights the long and complex history of human-feline relationships in East Asia, distinct from the story of domestication in the Near East and Europe.

The study underscores the importance of cats in ancient Chinese culture and daily life, while also tracing the evolution of their status over time. Investigating the genetic origins of domestic cats opens new avenues for understanding their adaptation to human coexistence and can help illuminate historical migration routes and cultural exchanges. Insights into these early human-animal bonds continue to enrich our modern perspective on pets and their role in society.