The domestic cat originated from Near-Eastern and Egyptian populations of the African wildcat, Felis lybica lybica. The family Felidae, to which all living feline species belong, is thought to have arisen about 12 to 13 million years ago and is divided into eight major phylogenetic lineages. The Felis lineage in particular is the lineage to which the domestic cat belongs.
Several investigations have shown that all domestic varieties of cats come from a single species of the Felis lineage, Felis catus. Variations of this lineage are found across the world, and until recently, scientists have found it difficult to identify exactly which region gave rise to the modern domestic cat. It is believed that many separate incidents in different places led to the creation of these breeds. More complications arose from the fact that wildcat populations are very widespread and are very similar to one another. These variations of wildcats interbreed freely with one another when in close contact, further blurring the lines between taxa. Recent DNA studies, advancement in genetic technologies, and a better understanding of DNA and genetics as a whole, have added to the evolutionary history of the domestic cat. Archaeological evidence has provided earlier dates for domestication than were previously suggested.
