For years, scientists believed domestic cats originated thousands of years ago in the Middle East. However, new DNA evidence suggests that felines actually began in North Africa and spread to Europe around 2,000 years ago.
Researchers analyzed ancient cat remains and found that those from before 200 BCE were genetically similar to modern-day European wildcats, not ancestors of domestic cats. Instead, these ancient cats likely roamed freely near Neolithic communities or were hunted for food and fur. The team discovered a closer genetic connection between domestic cats and felines that lived within the last 2,000 years.
The study revealed that ancient cats in Northern Africa are the ancestors of modern-day African wildcats and an enigmatic population found in Sardinia. The researchers believe early domestic cats were transported by sea-faring Phoenician and Punic cultures, who maintained a network of trading colonies throughout North Africa and Europe.
Source: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/when-did-cats-become-domesticated