Mary Allen
Introduction: The Feline Family Tree
Cats have been a beloved companion animal for thousands of years. They are known for their aloof demeanor, their independence, and their grace. But where do they come from, and how did they become the feline friends we know today? To answer those questions, we need to start at the beginning, with the feline family tree.
The Evolutionary History of Cats
Cats are members of the Felidae family, which includes all feline species, from the smallest housecat to the largest tiger. The earliest known ancestor of cats was a small, weasel-like creature called the Miacis, which lived about 60 million years ago. Over time, this animal evolved into the first true feline, known as Proailurus, which lived about 25 million years ago. From there, the feline family tree branched out into the many species we know today, including lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, and domestic cats.