Philip M. Rule

Animals of the Past

No. of episodes

30

Latest episode

2026-08-24

Where can you listen?

The origin of the domestic cat (Felis domestica) has sparked much speculation and scientific inquiry, yet definitive conclusions remain elusive. Long before the cat was embraced as a companion in homes around the world, it was revered by the ancient Egyptians, who tamed these enigmatic creatures and considered them sacred to the goddess Pasht. As domestic cats occasionally interbreed with local wild populations and traverse borders alongside humans, its likely that our beloved feline friends boast a diverse heritage. It’s fascinating to think that our charming English tabbies may even carry traces of British wildcat ancestry, albeit faintly. - Summary by the author

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