The book Cat Sense has good overview of cat biology, history, genetic development etc. This video has some slightly newer info but covers similar area.
Lord Papi (my 16yr Bengal) gave me a knowing look when he heard you say house cats have the same bone structure as wild cats. I told him I never questioned him. 🥰🥰🥰
I have found it simply takes a kitten or a charming hungry cat to domestiCATe a human. Ancient cats probably took a little longer before they got elevated by humans to godhood with a cushioned bed.
I'm really glad RUclips recommended me this video! It was really interesting and well made. I love cats and history, so it's no wonder the All Seeing Algorithm showed me this! I'm excited to watch more of your videos now :)
Thats part of what makes cats so unique to me...THEY chose our relationship, unlike any other animal! And, if we're being honest, they continue to choose lol
My cat just took my favorite pillow. It's twice her size but she dragged it to the patio and is laying on it. I guess it's her favorite pillow now. >^;^
This was a good video! I love that ancient Egyptians kept house cats and alot of boats had a resident cat as well but this is so beyond what is usually discussed! This points to we had both canine and feline in our ancient packs of humans.
Very well edited and an interesting topic. I always heard/read people saying that while humans domesticated dogs, cats domesticated themselves (one of many branches of the old “dog vs. cat temperament” debate). It’s late and my brain isn’t at full capacity, but it seems there is some truth to that? The mutually beneficial relationships and such. I wonder about the history of dogs. Surely a complex history with how severely humans have altered their bodies and behaviors into distinct breeds.
I have heard that argument as well. I have also heard that some scholars feels that house cats aren’t fully domesticated. Domestication is definitely a nuanced and complicated concept and there is a lot of debates surrounding cat domestication. Thanks for your note!
I agree. Anyone who has had a cat from a small kitten knows they are wild little creatures that you have to take before you have a 'family cat's. My cat used to chew me awake every morning and she was as wild as any bobcat cub. She calmed down after a couple of years but she chewed cords climbed the Christmas tree and attacked me awake every morning. She also used to shake her head with every bite of food to make sure it was dead! It takes time to tame these tiny beasts @@smitinathan
I mean I never heard it as part of a debate just kinda a fact? Like wolves were used to help actively hunt and things like that and we eventually bred them til they look nothing like their common ancestor. While if you look up different wild cat species (one is literally just the Wild Cat), they look almost identical to them. Cats are also prey animals while dogs are straight predators; could have something to do with how they were domesticated since being on both sides they have to be more weary.
I don't know if Al Gorithm recommends Smiti to me because I watch cat videos or because of the archeology I watch, but I'm subscribing. Pleased to meet you, Smiti! ✌🖖
Fascinating. Reflects groundbreaking research. A "must see" video for all cat lovers. Cats have been "considered" many things throughout history. Today, we can confidently, and unabashedly, consider them people.
Thank you for an interesting video, Dr. Nathan! I especially liked the riddle at the end. I also did not know that wild and domesticated cats are distinguished by coat color. I wonder if Egyptian mummified cats retained their coats? I will do some research
Is there other information making you believe that cats were purposefully brought to Cyprus? Cats not being native to Cyprus so people must have purposefully brought them is a huge jump especially depending on what year that bone is dated too. Unintended animals have e ended up on ships carrying food for supplies or for the crew from long ago to today. Cats following the mice/rats that ended up on pretty much every ship carrying grain, wheat, etc. is another possibility how a cat got to Cyprus.
Wild cats have a powerful fear of humans. Domesticated cats selected for the ability to tolerate humans. Themselves. That's how they test if a cat is feral or true wildcat. If the kittens are comfortable around humans they have domestic cat dna. I doubt wildcats would think it a good idea to be around human granaries on docks then onto ships filled with humans. Domestication shrank cat brains by about 30% which helps reduce the natural fear wildcats had of humans. Bringing a cat to Cyprus would have made total sense to sailors and settlers. Domestic cats were common on sailing vessels. So it's a logical assumption. Much less logical to assume a wild creature terrified of humans would be on that ship.
Maybe they kulled the cat population because they couldn’t spay/neuter their pets & thought that it was the best way to keep the cats from overrunning the habitat?
Wicca (the Pagans) considered black cats to be good luck, an opinion still seen in parts of Europe. Due to Puritan influence, black cats are always bad luck in the New World. Go figure!
Thanks for sharing that! It's always fascinating to me how one this is bad luck in one place, good luck in another, and not even noticed in other places.
A fantastic video. The domestication of cats is fascinating because it seems to have followed a very different trajectory to dogs. One of the earliest surviving poems in the Irish language is 'Pangur Bán' written by an Irish monk in the 9th century about his cat.
Thanks for your kind note! Cat and dog domestication are so different, but so interesting. Thanks for sharing that note about the Irish monk and his cat. That's fascinating!
Excellent video! I absolutely loved the translated riddle-hearing ancient voices talking about universal experiences really brings to life our shared human heritage across millennia.
Been following your channel for the last 9 months, and I’m so glad to see you gain traction! It’s really appreciated to hear interesting topics from a qualified archaeologist. You have a wonderful way of explaining information, and I particularly love the citations and real life examples you pull. I don’t know how the algorithm would feel, but I’d love to see some longer form videos from you down the line!
Thanks so much for your feedback! We've been thinking about releasing some longer videos so we really appreciate this comment. We'll be polling our larger audience soon to get their thoughts too.
This information about cats is great- the narrator who cannot pronounce the word "ancient" is entirely unqualified for any position of responsibility requiring communication.
This is the first time the RUclips algorithm has done its job for me.
Thanks for your kind note ☺️
I gave my cat a hug
😻
great video! it's difficult as a layperson to find an evidence-based history of domestic cats - thanks for covering it. that riddle is so evocative!
Thanks so much for your kind note! We were so excited when we first came across the mentioned riddle :)
The book Cat Sense has good overview of cat biology, history, genetic development etc. This video has some slightly newer info but covers similar area.
Lord Papi (my 16yr Bengal) gave me a knowing look when he heard you say house cats have the same bone structure as wild cats. I told him I never questioned him. 🥰🥰🥰
That’s so sweet! Hi 👋🏽 Lord Papi!
Lord Papi? You intentionally named your cat that??
@@countesselizabeth No, his name is Nathan but he's a lord and he's old so I call him papi--it's a cultural thing.
@@TheLinguistsLibraryoh that makes more sense
I have found it simply takes a kitten or a charming hungry cat to domestiCATe a human. Ancient cats probably took a little longer before they got elevated by humans to godhood with a cushioned bed.
I'm really glad RUclips recommended me this video! It was really interesting and well made. I love cats and history, so it's no wonder the All Seeing Algorithm showed me this! I'm excited to watch more of your videos now :)
Thanks so much for your kind words ☺️
@@smitinathan you're more than welcome! 😊
Great video! I watched it with my own cat. I like to think modern house cats remember their lineage as deities in ancient Egypt
Thanks for your kind note and hi to your cat ☺️
I'm always amused by the notion humans domesticated cats. 🐈⬛
They domesticated themselves 😄
Thats part of what makes cats so unique to me...THEY chose our relationship, unlike any other animal! And, if we're being honest, they continue to choose lol
My cat just took my favorite pillow. It's twice her size but she dragged it to the patio and is laying on it. I guess it's her favorite pillow now. >^;^
Lol! I hope she's enjoying her pillow :)
This was a good video! I love that ancient Egyptians kept house cats and alot of boats had a resident cat as well but this is so beyond what is usually discussed! This points to we had both canine and feline in our ancient packs of humans.
Thanks for your kind note!
😻Thank you, Dr. Nathan on behalf of our Clowder of Positively Purr-fect Rulers of All They Survey...and then some🐈🐈⬛
You’re welcome 😸
Very well edited and an interesting topic. I always heard/read people saying that while humans domesticated dogs, cats domesticated themselves (one of many branches of the old “dog vs. cat temperament” debate). It’s late and my brain isn’t at full capacity, but it seems there is some truth to that? The mutually beneficial relationships and such. I wonder about the history of dogs. Surely a complex history with how severely humans have altered their bodies and behaviors into distinct breeds.
I have heard that argument as well. I have also heard that some scholars feels that house cats aren’t fully domesticated. Domestication is definitely a nuanced and complicated concept and there is a lot of debates surrounding cat domestication. Thanks for your note!
I agree. Anyone who has had a cat from a small kitten knows they are wild little creatures that you have to take before you have a 'family cat's. My cat used to chew me awake every morning and she was as wild as any bobcat cub. She calmed down after a couple of years but she chewed cords climbed the Christmas tree and attacked me awake every morning. She also used to shake her head with every bite of food to make sure it was dead! It takes time to tame these tiny beasts @@smitinathan
I mean I never heard it as part of a debate just kinda a fact? Like wolves were used to help actively hunt and things like that and we eventually bred them til they look nothing like their common ancestor. While if you look up different wild cat species (one is literally just the Wild Cat), they look almost identical to them.
Cats are also prey animals while dogs are straight predators; could have something to do with how they were domesticated since being on both sides they have to be more weary.
We didn’t domesticate cats, they domesticated us.
They’re not our pets, we are merely their servants.
😸😸😸
Dr. Smiti has posted again! Yippee!
Thanks so much for your kind note and support ☺️
Catologist 🐈
It’s nice to find a RUclipsr that is genuine.
love this video. the youtube algorithm has finally given me something great!!
Thanks so much for your kind comment!
I don't know if Al Gorithm recommends Smiti to me because I watch cat videos or because of the archeology I watch, but I'm subscribing. Pleased to meet you, Smiti! ✌🖖
@@margaretwordnerd5210 Glad we could scratch both itches :)
Fantastic video! The history of domestication is so fascinating.
Thanks so much for your kind note Taylor!
The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell
Not sure how I stumbled upon this video, but I am not complaining at all!
Thanks for the kind note ☺️
Fascinating. Reflects groundbreaking research. A "must see" video for all cat lovers.
Cats have been "considered" many things throughout history.
Today, we can confidently, and unabashedly, consider them people.
Great video! I had to keep rewinding because my husband made awwww noises for every cat on screen. 😸
Thanks so much! That’s too funny. My team sprinkled footage of their cats throughout the video.
Great video! Loved it❤
Thanks so much for your kind note!
Thank you for an interesting video, Dr. Nathan! I especially liked the riddle at the end. I also did not know that wild and domesticated cats are distinguished by coat color. I wonder if Egyptian mummified cats retained their coats? I will do some research
That’s a great question. I am not sure so I will look into to it too.
Is there other information making you believe that cats were purposefully brought to Cyprus?
Cats not being native to Cyprus so people must have purposefully brought them is a huge jump especially depending on what year that bone is dated too.
Unintended animals have e ended up on ships carrying food for supplies or for the crew from long ago to today. Cats following the mice/rats that ended up on pretty much every ship carrying grain, wheat, etc. is another possibility how a cat got to Cyprus.
Wild cats have a powerful fear of humans. Domesticated cats selected for the ability to tolerate humans. Themselves. That's how they test if a cat is feral or true wildcat. If the kittens are comfortable around humans they have domestic cat dna. I doubt wildcats would think it a good idea to be around human granaries on docks then onto ships filled with humans. Domestication shrank cat brains by about 30% which helps reduce the natural fear wildcats had of humans. Bringing a cat to Cyprus would have made total sense to sailors and settlers.
Domestic cats were common on sailing vessels. So it's a logical assumption. Much less logical to assume a wild creature terrified of humans would be on that ship.
Loved the science in this, I've never heard of analyzing mitochondrial DNA that's so cool! Very nice video, Dr.
Thanks for your kind note :)
love the editing on this video it’s so cute
Thank you so much! We're so grateful for our wonderful editor!
cats are so cool
😸
Thanks for tuning down the music. And also: Aaaaaww! 😺
There's never been a cat like mine, fang, claw and coat sublime. I tell him because it's true, never ever been a cat like you.
Maybe they kulled the cat population because they couldn’t spay/neuter their pets & thought that it was the best way to keep the cats from overrunning the habitat?
Culled is the proper spelling. My apologies.
That’s certainly a possibility. Thanks for sharing your thoughts ☺️
Watching with a cat on my lap!
😻
kitties c:
😸
Wicca (the Pagans) considered black cats to be good luck, an opinion still seen in parts of Europe. Due to Puritan influence, black cats are always bad luck in the New World.
Go figure!
Thanks for sharing that! It's always fascinating to me how one this is bad luck in one place, good luck in another, and not even noticed in other places.
A fantastic video. The domestication of cats is fascinating because it seems to have followed a very different trajectory to dogs. One of the earliest surviving poems in the Irish language is 'Pangur Bán' written by an Irish monk in the 9th century about his cat.
Thanks for your kind note! Cat and dog domestication are so different, but so interesting. Thanks for sharing that note about the Irish monk and his cat. That's fascinating!
Excellent video! I absolutely loved the translated riddle-hearing ancient voices talking about universal experiences really brings to life our shared human heritage across millennia.
Thanks so much for your kind note and sharing that the riddle resonated with you :)
this is a really well made video, and I love the editing and graphics!
Thanks for your kind comment ☺️
Thank you And it was interesting
Thanks for your kind note!
Cats are the best
😻
Cats and archaeology? How could I pass this video up!
😸😸😸
Basically, wherever a cat found a human with a fire, he made his way in.
😸😸😸
Cats were once considered gods in ancient societies. That makes perfect sense; my cat considers himself a god.
Love your cat’s self confidence 😸
Thanks for tuning down the music. And: Awwww! 😺
We're working on our sound levels :) I appreciate your feedback!
Great video, music is a little loud but it wasnt bad, subscribed for sure
Thanks for your feedback!
According to Futurama, cats are an advanced alien species that came to Earth and got lazy because the Egyptians worshipped them.
I remember watching that part! Thanks for sharing :)
@@smitinathan My cats are all lazy. Eight at home + six strays at work. I am their humble servant. Proverbs 12:10.
@@rustyshackleford1114 I hope they appreciate you. If not, I appreciate your service!
What if cats domesticated us?
That's a fair point!
Yay!
👍🏻
Such an insightful video! Thank you so much for this! ❤️
Thanks for your kind note!
Flint sent me...
Welcome :)
Great video!! I really enjoy your videos and the snapshots of things happening in your field. Thank you
Thanks so much for your kind note Robin!
Thank you. This came up in my recommendation. I really enjoyed this. Going to check out more of your videos now
Thanks so much for your kind note!
Been following your channel for the last 9 months, and I’m so glad to see you gain traction! It’s really appreciated to hear interesting topics from a qualified archaeologist. You have a wonderful way of explaining information, and I particularly love the citations and real life examples you pull. I don’t know how the algorithm would feel, but I’d love to see some longer form videos from you down the line!
Thanks so much for your feedback! We've been thinking about releasing some longer videos so we really appreciate this comment. We'll be polling our larger audience soon to get their thoughts too.
Great video! Glad to have found your channel. ♡
Thank you 😊
Oh wow I love the poem about the cats !!
Thanks so much for your kind note ☺️
let's go, doc! engaging, fun, well-evidenced.
Thanks so much 🙌🏾
Cats will always be loved an adored 🥰🥰🥰
We're a fan of cats on our team :)
My cat came into the room when I was watching this video and then I watched it with her. 😻😻😻
Love that! Thanks for sharing ☺️
@@smitinathan Your vary welcome! Love cats!
This information about cats is great- the narrator who cannot pronounce the word "ancient" is entirely unqualified for any position of responsibility requiring communication.
the vocal fry is burning my ears
Someone who cares about Dr Nathan should tell her the vocal fry she uses gives listeners the impression she is about 13 years old.
You caring so much about the way someone talks gives me the impression you're about 13 years old