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Ancient DNA Reveals Cats' 2,000-Year European Journey

11/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A study of ancient cat DNA finds domestic cats likely arrived in Europe about 2,000 years ago.
Researchers analyzed genomes from 70 ancient cats across North Africa, Europe, and Anatolia.
Today’s cats are more closely related to North African wildcats.
Sardinian cats descended from a distinct wildcat population brought to the island about 2,200 years ago.

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Story summary

A study of ancient cat DNA finds domestic cats likely arrived in Europe about 2,000 years ago.
Researchers analyzed genomes from 70 ancient cats across North Africa, Europe, and Anatolia.
Today’s cats are more closely related to North African wildcats.
Sardinian cats descended from a distinct wildcat population brought to the island about 2,200 years ago.