Those of us who share our homes with cats are truly blessed. We are able to marvel not only at their beauty and grace, but at their uncanny resemblance to their bigger predatory cousins; the wild big cats. We are both enthralled and delighted while watching our miniature carnivores lying in wait and then start stalking sunbeams and little pieces of papers; their hind ends swaying ever so slowly, ears erect, whiskers bristling as they wait for the perfect opportunity to pounce on and capture them. Their predatory instincts and behavior are exactly like the hunting action of lions, tigers and other big cats.
According to an article recently published on the Animal Rescue Site, it was over 10 million years ago that the tiger deviated from what we all now recognize as our domesticated kitties.
Incredibly it’s only recent research which has proven that the only difference between our “tamed” housecats and the big wild cats, such as snow leopards, lions, tigers and jaguars, is a genetic mutation permitting these wild undomesticated felines to grow much larger in stature; permitting them to feast on bigger animals and allow snow leopards to adapt to the rigors of the high altitudes in which they reside.
Jong Bhak, a geneticist at the Personal Genomics Institute in South Korea said,
“In addition, several genes were altered in metabolic pathways associated with protein digestion and metabolism, or how the body uses fuel like food to power cells. Those changes, which evolved over tens of millions of years, likely enable the majestic felines to digest and rely solely on meat. Big cats also have several mutations that make for powerful, fast-acting muscles — a necessity when chasing down prey.”
“The Tiger in the House” written by felineophile Carl Van Vechten was published in 1922 by A. A. Knopf. It is not only extraordinarily well written and filled with gorgeous photographs, it makes for a fascinating read. But what makes this book even more mysterious is its title is uncannily prophetic.
The reason I refer to this book as “prophetic” is that it wasn’t until April 1953 when James Watson and Francis Crick presented their scientific paper on the structure of the DNA-helix, (the molecule that carries genetic information from generation to generation was presented by James Watson and Francis Crick.
In 1962, nine years later, they both shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with another leading scientist, for solving one of the most important biological riddles.
But way back in 1922 before DNA was a household word, just the title of Van Vechten’s book demonstrated his keen observation of the domesticated kitty and his understanding of the species. Unfortunately many of these housecats are very unceremoniously and disrespectfully named “Fluffy”. I wonder what these cats would be named if their owners truly knew about their cat’s regal lineage.
Since our magnificent, charming, intelligent and affectionate diminutive big cats share 95% of their genes with their bigger brothers and sisters, we are indeed honored to have these remarkable animals allow us to share our homes and beds with them. After all is there anything more soothing and sleep inducing that a purring kitty curled up with us on a chilly winter’s night?
What do you think? Do tell us in a comment.
Jo
Photo credit (tiger): Flickr User RomanS
No one should ever forget that they share their home with a mini carnivore. There are so many ways that the cats here show us their wild side.Our house is an older structure and mice do get in. Why mice would come into a home with cats in it baffles me. It never ends well. I watched one of our cats stalk and kill a mouse in the bathroom the other day. Fizz Gig was cool and calculating and each move well planned. The mouse never had a chance. Even when the cats are outside in their fully fenced and roofed enclosure they catch prey. The last victim was a chipmunk that had the audacity to walk through the wire fence right in front of the cat and scold the cat all the time he was doing it. I was right there and could not prevent the pounce and kill, it was that fast. Oh yes, I live with predators. I love it.
Yes, it is wise to remind ourselves that we live with a carnivore who is close in character to a wild cat. I think some of the problems between person and cat care caused because the person does not do as you say: treat their cat as a hunter and carnivore at heart. Thanks for commenting.
Our Marbles is like that. In the 17 years I have lived in this house, 2 mice and a garter snake have found their way inside. The two mice lived about 14 seconds. The snake, being more fun to play with, survived when I grabbed it and put it back outside where it belonged.
love this
Thanks for visiting Vicki
Hi Michael, I don’t have any idea what you’re talking about clicking on to email you. I am technologically deficiant. LOL But I’m uploading another photo of CJ Sobol. Hopefully it works this time. 🙂
Hi Reno…. 🙂 Well your CJ Sobol looks like a little tiger hunting prey in the kitchen pantry…
There is not a cupboard, closet, or drawer that he will not investigat.
Sorry, the photo didn’t post.
Hi Reno, the photo is probably too large, more than 2 million bytes. You can email me if you like. Just click on the square orange advert in the RH column.
Wonderful article, Jo. ANd I agree…..our kitties are very much like the big cats. I have always loved the big cats and would one day like to visit the Big Cat Sanctuary in Florida. I have been enthralled with them ever since I read your first blog about them. 🙂
Here is my ginger tom. His name is CJ Sobol and there isn’t a cupboard or closet he won’t get into.