History of Cat in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 21, 2025

The domestic cat is a small, domesticated carnivorous mammal and the only domesticated species in the Felidae family. Originating in the Near East around 7500 BC, cats are valued for companionship and pest control. They possess physical adaptations like retractable claws, sharp teeth, keen night vision, and a strong sense of smell, suited for hunting small prey. While social, cats are solitary hunters and crepuscular predators. Their communication methods include various vocalizations and body language. They can also perceive sounds and pheromones beyond human capabilities. They can be pets, farm animals, or feral creatures.

1904: Felis daemon proposed

In 1904, Konstantin Satunin proposed Felis daemon for a black cat from the Transcaucasus, which was later identified as a domestic cat.

1949: Walter Chandoha's cat photography career begins

In 1949, Walter Chandoha's career as a cat photographer began after his images of a stray cat named Loco were published.

1995: Increased lifespan

In 1995, the average lifespan of pet cats had increased to 9.4 years.

May 1998: Queen study started

In May 1998, a study of free-ranging queens was initiated to understand their reproductive habits.

October 2000: Queen study ended

In October 2000, results from study based on 2,300 free-ranging queens revealed details about litter sizes and kitten mortality.

2000: Cat-fur coat outlawed in the United States

Since 2000, the use of cats for fur coats has been outlawed in the United States.

2003: Domestic cat is a distinct species

In 2003, the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature ruled that the domestic cat is a distinct species, namely Felis catus.

2007: Origin of modern domesticated cats

In 2007, research suggested that the modern domesticated subspecies F. silvestris catus likely descended from the African wildcat (F. lybica).

2007: Worldwide population of cats exceeded 500 million

In 2007, the worldwide population of cats exceeded 500 million.

2007: Cat-fur coat outlawed in the European Union

Since 2007, the use of cats in the international fur trade to produce items like cat-fur coats has been outlawed in the European Union and the United Kingdom.

2014: Average lifespan of pet cats

As of 2014, the average lifespan of pet cats had increased to about 13 years.

2017: Domestic cat as distinct species

In 2017, the IUCN Cat Classification Taskforce recognized the domestic cat as a distinct species, Felis catus, following the ICZN recommendation.

2020: Cat Ownership in the United Kingdom

In 2020, statistics indicated that 26% of adults in the United Kingdom owned a cat, contributing to an estimated population of 10.9 million pet cats.

2021: Global Cat Population Estimates

As of 2021, estimates suggested 220 million owned cats and 480 million stray cats worldwide.

2023: Average lifespan of pet cats

As of 2023, the average lifespan of pet cats was approximately 13 years.

2024: Domestic cat popularity in the United States

In 2024, the domestic cat was reported to be the second most popular pet in the United States, with 73.8 million cats owned across approximately 42.2 million households.