By: Elise Margulis
Domestication began in the Old World Fertile Crescent area, now the Middle East and West Asia.
Egyptian art from 3,600 years ago depicts domestic cats as members of the human family.
Cats frequented farms to hunt mice, leading to a mutually beneficial relationship with humans.
Feline remains from 4,200 to 2,300 BC in Poland indicate their migration to Central Europe.
Cats were introduced to the Roman Empire in 31 BC when Egypt became a province.