Cats Domesticated Themselves, Ancient DNA ShowsA comprehensive survey of cat genes suggests that even after felines wandered into our lives, they remained largely unchanged for thousands of years.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/06/domesticated-cats-dna-genetics-pets-science/By Casey Smith
PUBLISHED JUNE 19, 2017
Tabby coats didn't exist until the Middle Ages, according to a study of ancient cat genes.
PHOTOGRAPH BY JOEL SARTORE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTO ARKIn true feline form, cats took their time deciding whether to jump into humans’ laps.
In a new comprehensive study of the spread of domesticated cats, DNA analysis suggests that cats lived for thousands of years alongside humans before they were domesticated. During that time, their genes have changed little from those of wildcats, apart from picking up one recent tweak: the distinctive stripes and dots of the tabby cat.
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