Chapter 1: The Behavioral Divide Between Cats and Dogs

For those who have shared their lives with cats, it’s evident that these creatures tend to march to the beat of their own drum. Attempting to teach them to avoid scratching furniture can feel like an exercise in futility. But is it really as hopeless as it seems?

Cats certainly perceive their owners and recognize our voices; it’s just that their interest in obeying is remarkably low. In contrast, dogs generally show a willingness to listen and follow commands, happily complying with basic training tasks like sitting and staying.

This stark contrast in behavior piques curiosity:

What accounts for the fundamental differences between these two beloved pets?

After delving into some research, I uncovered that the answer lies in the unique histories of their domestication.

Domestication vs. Taming: What’s the Difference?

To grasp this distinction, we first need to clarify what domestication entails. It’s more intricate than it may appear at first glance.

Domestication refers to the genetic alterations that occur in a species, due to selective breeding, making them more amenable to human interaction. This genetic predisposition towards humans is inherited by subsequent generations.

Conversely, taming involves behavioral modifications acquired through conditioning. A tamed animal may learn to engage with humans and lose its natural wariness, but these traits do not pass on genetically.

Therefore, an animal can be domesticated yet not tamed, and vice versa. For instance, consider a wild creature raised in human captivity; while it may be tame, it is not domesticated.

The Origins of Domestication

The domestication journey began with wolves, which were transformed into our loyal canine companions approximately 35,000 to 11,000 years ago — the specifics remain somewhat elusive.

It is believed that this shift occurred during a time when humans were still engaged in hunting and gathering. Early humans likely selected wolves with traits that benefited hunting and provided protection.

As societies transitioned to agriculture around 10,000 years ago, the domestication of various animals began in earnest. During this era, known as the Fertile Crescent, humans started keeping animals like sheep, goats, and cattle, selectively breeding them for advantageous traits such as increased wool production or milk yield.

Both dogs and livestock were shaped through this artificial selection process, where humans determined which animals to breed based on specific desirable characteristics.

The Unique Case of Cats

Unlike dogs and livestock, cats did not originally present any direct benefits to humans, leading to their initial neglect. So, how did they come to inhabit our homes?

As small settlements emerged during the Fertile Crescent, an increase in rodent populations attracted wild cats. These felines capitalized on the abundance of mice, leading to their gradual acceptance by humans.

Over time, the lack of human intervention allowed for natural selection to take its course, resulting in the domestication of cats between 10,000 to 3,000 years ago. Unlike dogs, which were bred for specific roles, cats were not selectively bred until the 18th century, when humans began to breed them based on aesthetic qualities.

The International Cat Association now recognizes only 71 breeds, a stark contrast to the 351 dog breeds acknowledged by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, reflecting the targeted breeding of dogs for various tasks.