cat domestication

A charcoal gray cat with a white chest stands in the grass while looking at the camera.

What Wild Cats are Domestic Cats Descended From?

Caitlin Dempsey

All domestic cats are descended from Felis silvestris lybica.

A long-haired tabby with a white underbelly lying down.

How Did Cats Become Domesticated?

Caitlin Dempsey

The domestic cat (Felis catus) can be traced back to a species of African wildcat known as Felis silvestris lybica.