When was a cat tamed?

The exact timing of cat domestication is still a bit debated by scientists, but most evidence points to around 10,000 years ago, coinciding with the development of agriculture in the Near East.

Here's what we know:

* Earliest evidence: The oldest known remains of domesticated cats date back about 9,500 years in Cyprus, and similar remains are found in Egypt from about 7,500 years ago.

* Mutual benefit: It's believed that cats were drawn to settlements due to the presence of rodents attracted to grain stores. This symbiotic relationship saw cats benefiting from food and shelter, while humans benefited from pest control.

* Gradual process: Domestication was likely a gradual process, with cats slowly becoming accustomed to human presence and eventually becoming part of household life.

* Independent events: Some scientists believe cat domestication may have occurred independently in different regions, with the Near East being just one of them.

So, while a specific date remains a bit elusive, 10,000 years ago is a good estimate for the start of cat domestication.