Question

откуда появились кошки

Answer 1

Если обратиться к самому первому официальному источнику, то впервые кошка была одомашнена в Древнем Египте, приблизительно 5 000 лет назад. Такие данные нам предоставляет Геродот. Существует версия, что в Древнем Египте, кошек использовали как превосходных охотников на разных грызунов. А в те времена Египет славился своими зерновыми запасами, соответственно и грызунов было предостаточно. Также есть и другие данные о том, что кошку в Древнем Египте обучали охотиться на птицу. Об этом свидетельствует изображение, найденное в одном древнем захоронении, где чётко просматривается охотник и кошка, которая совершает прыжок на птицу.

После Древнего Египта, уже приручённая кошка распространилась и по другим странам. В рукописях Плутарха, первые свидетельства о появлении кошки в Европе, относятся к первому веку нашей эры. Приблизительно в это же время кошка появилась и на территории Древней Руси. И только в седьмом веке, кошка заняла почётное место хранительницы семейного очага. Археологические данные свидетельствуют, о том, что кошка попала к нам, помимо Европы, с юга.

Answer 2

The Origin of Cats

The origin of cats can be traced back to the wildcat species known as Felis silvestris lybica. This species is believed to be the ancestor of domestic cats. The domestication of cats is thought to have occurred around 9,500 years ago in the Near East, specifically in areas such as Cyprus and the Levant.

Felis silvestris lybica: Felis silvestris lybica is a subspecies of the wildcat species Felis silvestris. It is native to Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Central Asia. This wildcat species is known for its adaptability and ability to survive in various environments, including forests, deserts, and grasslands.

Domestication of Cats: The domestication of cats is believed to have happened when early humans transitioned from a nomadic lifestyle to settled agricultural communities. As humans began to store surplus grain, it attracted rodents, which in turn attracted wildcats. These wildcats were beneficial to humans as they helped control the rodent population. Over time, a mutually beneficial relationship developed between humans and cats, leading to their domestication.

Evidence of Domestication: Archaeological evidence, such as the discovery of cat remains buried alongside humans in ancient settlements, suggests that cats were valued and cared for by early human civilizations. Additionally, genetic studies have shown that domestic cats share a common ancestor with Felis silvestris lybica, further supporting the theory of their domestication from this wildcat species.

Spread of Domestic Cats: From their initial domestication, cats gradually spread to different parts of the world through human migration and trade routes. Ancient Egyptians, in particular, held cats in high regard and even worshipped them as sacred animals. Cats were also valued for their ability to control pests on ships, leading to their presence on seafaring vessels and their spread to different regions.

In summary, cats originated from the wildcat species Felis silvestris lybica and were domesticated around 9,500 years ago in the Near East. They spread to different parts of the world through human migration and trade routes. The domestication of cats was likely driven by their ability to control rodents and their mutually beneficial relationship with early human civilizations