The domestication and trade of pet cats began about 10,000 years ago in modern-day Turkey when Anatolians tamed Near Eastern wildcats. The felines then spread to Europe through trade. But how and ...

How and when domestic cats arrived in China has been a mystery. A new analysis of cat DNA suggests traders and diplomats likely carried the pets with them along the Silk Road 1,400 years ago.

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. This painting from the bottom of a bowl is one of the earliest depictions of a cat from China ...