New Research Rewrites China's Domestic Cat History

New ancient DNA research led by Peking University reveals the 5,000-year history of cats in China. The study found that from the Neolithic period until the late Eastern Han dynasty, small felines co-existing with humans were leopard cats, a relationship lasting 3,500 years. True domestic cats, originating from the African Wildcat, only entered China around the Tang Dynasty (approx. 1,200 years ago) via the Silk Road, replacing the leopard cat's role. (Photo by Luo Jinshu) (Picture by Peking University)

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By Wang Ziyuan, Tang Song(intern), Wang Jingxuan/China Youth Daily