By: Lifestyle DeskNew Delhi | December 9, 2025 04:26 PM IST 3 min readChina’s earliest ‘pet cats’ were actually wild leopard cats living near farms 5,400 years ago (photo: pixabay)The Chinese have a global reputation for being certified cat lovers. The South Asian country not only houses these felines but places them on a pedestal in its culture. Any trip to China is incomplete without visiting monuments, statues and temples dedicated to different kinds of cats. But did you know the modern cats were not the first ‘pet cats’ in China? As per a new study published in Cell Genomics, ancient China had wild leopards roaming around freely near human settlements and were, in fact, the Chinese’s first human companions.A team of researchers from Peking University analysed mitochondrial DNA from 22 cat bones found at seven archaeological sites across China. These bones dated from 5,400 years ago in the Neolithic era to the 20th century. Upon analysis, this fascinating history of pet cats was revealed.ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW VIDEOBone samples that dated before A.D. 200 belonged to leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis), small wild cats native to China with leopard-like spots and striped tails. These cats lived near farms from 5,400 to 1,900 years ago, hunting rodents that raided grain stores. China’s beloved house cats arrived only around A.D. 730 — thousands of years after leopard cats had already formed a commensal bond with farmers (photo: wikimedia)Biologist Kathryn Lord from the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School describe them as “exploiters.” While Lord was not a part of the core research team, she stands firm on her analysis. The scientist has theorised that people likely tolerated these leopards as natural pest controllers in a “commensal” relationship—no harm, mutual benefit.Also Read | This cute cat is actually a hunting machine; know all about itThe contemporary house cats (Felis catus) in China came into the picture much later. Descendants of the African wildcat (Felis lybica), these cats first appeared around A.D. 730 during the Tang Dynasty (618–907). Their DNA linked back to the Middle East, suggesting traders brought them along the Silk Road.These cats had short fur and white markings—85% of Tang-era paintings showed white cats or those with white patches, matching the genetics. A Han Dynasty bowl from 168 B.C. even depicts a spotted cat with a long tail, confirming leopard cats hung around then.Some scientists believe that the original leopard cats disappeared from sites after the Han Dynasty, most likely due to wars, economic collapse, and a drop in the rodent population. When farms boomed again, house cats had already replaced them. Naturally, being more tame, the civilisation accepted them with open arms. For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:Chinaleopard