HOW DID WE

DOMESTICATE OUR
FELINE FRIENDS?
A CONCEPT PAPER

Submitted as part of the requirements for the subject English

for Academic and Professional Purposes (EAPP).

Presented By:
Cristian S. Amoto & Shiela Mae O. Abrea
(11-STEM)

Background of the Study

 Since the beginning of mankind, cats began their unique

relationship with humans 10,000 to 12,000 years ago in the

Fertile Crescent, the geographic region where some of the

earliest developments in human civilization occurred. Unlike

dogs that were bred for specific purposes like hunting, herding,

or protection, cats surprisingly domesticated themselves due to

mutual benefits. This concept paper aims to explore how and

why felines became domesticated, focusing on the historical

context, the role of selective breeding, and the evolving

relationship between humans and cats.

Understanding the history of cat domestication allows us

to appreciate their role in human society and their significance

in our daily lives. Cat’s have played a lot of roles in human

society, besides from being a cute companion, they have

played a significant role in controlling pests and even being

revered in some cultures. Despite these roles, cats have pretty

much retained their wild instincts, unlike other domesticated

animals.
Statement Of The Problem

This study seeks to answer the following questions;

1. How did cats transitioned from being wild animals into

domesticated house cat companions?

2. What role did selective breeding contributed in shaping

the characteristics of modern cats?

3. How has the relationship between humans and cats

evolved over time?

These questions aim to clarify the factors that led to the

domestication of felines and the benefits that this relationship

has brought to both species.

Preliminary Literature Review

The domestication of cats began approximately 10,000 to

12,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent, a region known for the

early developments in human civilization (Vigne et al., 2016).

Unlike dogs, which were intentionally bred by humans for

specific roles like hunting or protection, cats are believed to

have domesticated themselves. Archaeological evidence

suggests that early humans and wildcats coexisted, with the

cats being attracted to human settlements due to the

abundance of food sources like rodents (”riscoll et al., 2009).

Selective breeding played a less prominent role in cat

domestication compared to other animals, as cats maintained

much of their wild behavior and genetic makeup (Montague et

al., 2014). However, modern breeding practices have shaped

some characteristics of specific cat breeds, emphasizing traits

such as temperament and appearance.

The relationship between humans and cats has evolved

significantly over time, from practical pest control partners to

cherished household companions. In ancient Egypt, cats were

even revered and associated with deities like Bastet (Engels,

1999). Today, the role of cats in human society has shifted

more toward companionship, though their independent nature

continues to be a defining characteristic (Turner & Bateson,

2000).

Abridged Methodology

This study will combine qualitative research with a simple

observational experiment to understand the behavioral traits
that distinguish domesticated cats from their wild ancestors.

1. Literature Review:

Scholarly articles, books, and studies on the history of cat

domestication will still form the foundation of the research,
covering genetic, behavioral, and historical aspects.

2. Experimental Observation:

To support the historical research, an observational study of

domesticated cats will be conducted to evaluate certain
behaviors that distinguish them from their wild counterparts.
The experiment will involve observing common feline behaviors
like:
 Response to human interaction (e.g., affection, social
behaviors).

Hunting and stalking behavior (whether domestic cats

retain these instincts).

Feeding habits (comparison of dependence on human-

provided food vs. self-hunting).

The observations above will take place over a period of 2 to 3

hours, focusing on specific behavioral traits (e.g., how quickly
the cat responds to food cues, how often the cat engages with
humans vs. staying independent). The goal is to highlight
behavioral traits that modern domestic cats retained or
adapted from their wild ancestors.

3. Data Analysis:

The data from the observations will be compared to known

behaviors of wild felines, specifically Felis silvestris lybica (the
wildcat), using academic sources and studies. The observations
will help determine whether domesticated cats show significant
changes in their behavior compared to wild cats, supporting or
challenging the theory of self-domestication.

4. Presentation of Findings:

The findings from both the literature review and the

experimental observation will be synthesized to address the
research questions, specifically how cats’ behaviors have
evolved and which wild traits they have retained.
Timeline
Days Activities Duration
Days 1–4 Literature Review: 4 Days
Collect scholarly
articles, books, and
research papers on
the domestication of
cats. Focusing on
historical context,
behavioral studies,
and genetic findings.
Suggested sources
include studies by
Vigne et al. (2016),
Driscoll et al. (2009),
and Montague et al.
(2014).

Days 5–6 Experimental 2 Days

Observation Setup:
Plan the
observational
experiment, select
cats to study, and
define specific
behaviors to
observe. Make a
recording sheet or
log.
Days 7–8 Conduct 2 Days
Observations: Spend (2–3 hours)
2–3 hours a day
observing the
selected cats,
documenting key
behaviors such as
response to human
interaction, feeding
habits, and
play/hunting
instincts.
Day 9 Data Analysis: 1 Day
Review the recorded (Time spent may
observations and vary)
compare them with
known behaviors of
wild felines (Felis
silvestris lybica).
Identify any
significant
differences in
behavior.
Day 10 Synthesis and 1 Day
Drafting: Compile (Time spent may
findings from the vary)
literature review and
observational data
into a cohesive
narrative. Draft the
concept paper,
addressing the
research questions
about domestication
and behavior.
Day 11 Revisions and 1 Day
Submission: Review (Time spent may
the draft for clarity, vary)
coherence, and
proper formatting.
Make necessary
revisions and prepare
the final version for
submission.

References

Vigne, J.-D., Guilaine, J., Debue, K., Haye, L., & Gérard, P.
(2016). Early taming of the cat in Cyprus. Science, 304(5668),
259. Retrieved from:
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1095335

Driscoll, C. A., Macdonald, D. W., & O’Brien, S. J. (2009).

From wild animals to domestic pets, an evolutionary view of
domestication. Proceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences, 106(Suppl 1), 9971-9978. Retrieved from:
https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.0901586106

Montague, M. J., Li, G., Gandolfi, B., Khan, R., Aken, B. L.,
Searle, S. M., & O’Brien, S. J. (2014). Comparative analysis of
the domestic cat genome reveals genetic signatures underlying
feline biology and domestication. Proceedings of the National
Academy of Sciences, 111(48), 17230-17235. Retrieved from:
https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1410083111

Driscoll, Carlos A. et al. “The Taming of the Cat.”

Scientific American (2009): 71-72. Retrieved from:
https://www.alleycat.org/resources/the-natural-history-of-the-
cat/#:~:text=Origins%20of%20the%20Domestic%20Cat,day
%20parts%20of%20West%20Asia

“The Near Eastern origin of cat Domestication.” Retrieved

from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5612713/#R1

Engels, D. (1999). Classical Cats: The Rise and Fall of the

Sacred Cat. Routledge. Retrieved from:
https://www.routledge.com/Classical-Cats-The-Rise-and-Fall-of-
the-Sacred-Cat/Engels/p/book/9780415261623
 Turner, D. C., & Bateson, P. (Eds.). (2000). The Domestic
Cat: The Biology of Its Behaviour. Cambridge University Press.
Retrieved from:
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/animal-welfare/article/
domestic-cat-the-biology-of-its-behaviour-2nd-edition-edited-by-
dennis-c-turner-and-patrick-bateson-2000-cambridge-
university-press-cambridge-244-pp-paperback-obtainable-from-
the-publishers-the-edinburgh-bldg-shaftesbury-rd-cambridge-
cb2-2ru-uk-isbn-0521636485-price-1395us1995/
F73396988917E3DB5298364655A0C337