A careful study based on an analysis of DNA from cats the world over has shown that all domestic cats and "fancy cats" are descended from five mother cats who lived in the ancient Near East more than 100,000 years ago.

These "mothers of all cats," scientists theorize, took notice of humankind's developing farming practices. As people learned to plant, harvest and store wild versions of wheat and barley, their granaries attracted rodents -- and the rodents attracted cats.

At least five wild cats found human villages to be a safe place from other predators and a source of easy prey. Humans quickly recognized that the cats earned their keep by holding down the pest population, and welcomed their presence.

In this way, the scientists say, cats domesticated themselves. That's why even modern cats retain such an independent spirit, recognizing that if the pickings got slim, they could always pull up claws and go somewhere else.

In other words, except for their notorious dislike of water, you might say that cats are the Baptists of the animal world.

I'll be in Ghana this coming week, celebrating the presence of Christ and the work of His people with the Baptist World Alliance, particularly African Baptists. As the week goes on, watch for blogs on what life is like in Accra and the surrounding areas of Ghana.

Posted by TonyCartledge ( Jun 30 2007, 08:04:17 AM EDT ) Permalink Comments [2]