Domesticated cats (Felis catus) are among the world’s most popular pets. While scholars traditionally thought that the ancient Egyptians tamed the first cats, investigations suggest that cats began lingering around people approximately 10,000 years ago for food leftovers and rodents. So, who are the top ten oldest cat ever?
The Top Ten Oldest Cat Ever
While different cat breeds have varied coats, most have a similar height and build. Because dogs were selectively bred, but cats were not. Breeders were not interested in fostering helpful behavioral features in cats since cats are not naturally inclined to assist humans.
Near Eastern Wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica)
The near-eastern wildcat deserves special consideration since it gave origin to most tamed cats.
Cats have domesticated some 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent. Various breeds evolved later from other wild cat kinds. These wild cats are being crossed with domesticated species descended from the first domesticated Near Eastern wildcat.
Egyptian Mau
Egyptian-Mau’s are thought to be roughly 3,000 years old. Researchers think that some spotted cats discovered in pharaoh tombs were Egyptian-Mau’s. Various ancient Egyptian art displays cats that resemble today’s Egyptian Mau.
Many cat experts think that the Egyptian-Mau is the ancestor of most domesticated cats that exist today. They gave birth to Ocicats, who resemble wild cats but are entirely tamed.
These cats are exquisite and can jump up to 6 feet in the air. They are aloof, vigilant, and quiet. This cat’s official colors are blue, silver, caramel, smoke, and bronze.
Abyssinian
Abyssinians are a breed that most likely originated in Ancient Egypt since they resemble cats seen in Egyptian art and hieroglyphics. They were not, however, formally documented until the 1800s.
These are distinguished by their cinnamon or orangish coats and stunning emerald eyes. These cats come in four distinct colors: reddish, cinnamon, fawn, and blue. The first three hues are warm tones ranging from copper to brown, with the fourth being bluish-gray.
Japanese Bobtail
Artists in the 500s C.E. portrayed Japanese bobtails on woodcuts and other works. They were the bringers of good fortune during the time. These cats are little and usually weigh less than 10 pounds.
These cats were well-known in China for their involvement in rodent control on silkworm farms. The Chinese held them in such high regard that commoners were not permitted to hold them. The Japanese admired these cats for their role in hunting food-stealing mice in their homeland.
Norwegian Forest Cat
Around a thousand years ago, Vikings most likely brought Norwegian forest cats to Britain. Viking ships had cats on board to control rodent infestations.
These longhaired cats were given to the Vikings by the crusaders who arrived in Norway. Norwegian woodland cats that mated with an unknown but extinct domestic feline produced Maine Coons in America.
Siamese
Siamese cats were initially referenced in the fifteenth-century Thai Cat-Book Poems. The area was known as Siam at the time, thus their name. The cats in this poetry collection are characterized as sharp and wearing masks.
Actually, these cats are known today for their sparkling blue eyes and black points. They’re also well-known for their constant vocalizations, which cat owners love and despise.
Korat
Another natural breed that evolved in Thailand is the Korat. It was also reported in the 1400s C.E. Cat-Book Poems. Around 1890 C.E., Europeans identified them as blue Siamese.
This breed is grey with green eyes and has a low body fat percentage. They are outspoken, clever, and have fantastic memory. If abandoned in an unknown environment, they may find their way home.
Turkish Angora
Turkish Angoras are ancient Turkish cats that were first recorded in the 1600s C.E. They lack an undercoat despite their fluffy appearance and ability to blend in with snow.
While most Turkish Angora is plain white, it is also available in numerous colors and patterns. Red, tuxedo, grey, and calico are among the colors available.
One of the earliest natural breeds is the Turkish Angora. As part of an isolated community, natural breeds developed with their environment throughout time.
Chartreux Cat
Joachim de Bellay, a Frenchman, penned a poem about his gray cat, which many assume was a Chartreux, in 1558. A French scientist addressed a similar blue cat in a textbook in 1749 C.E.
It is said that monks nurtured the Chartreux into quietness, and its tranquility is still treasured today. Monks often used these cats to control pests. These cats were most likely given to them by knights who journeyed to Persia during the crusades.
Siberian Forest Cat
Another natural breed that originated in Russia is the Siberian Forest cat. While it was not formally acknowledged until the 1980s, it has been present for so long that it has appeared in Russian folklore. It is the country’s national cat.
An excellent breed of cat that is hypoallergenic is this one. Although no animal is entirely hypoallergenic, this breed has a reduced prevalence of the saliva protein that triggers allergic reactions in humans.
Conclusion
The world’s oldest cats astonish us with their incredible longevity, breaking records and outliving their younger rivals! While the actual circumstances of these cats’ ages are unclear, we may conclude from their tales that they have earned their place in history.
From time-traveling sorcerers to daring explorers, these ancient felines have left their imprint on the world—and our hearts. Looking back on their extraordinary lives, we can see how cats of all ages offer such pleasure and richness to our lives and the world.