How did we domesticate cats and dogs and why?

DOGS: It is believed that wolves gathered around human garbage heaps to scavenge for food. The ones that were least afraid of humans came the closest to us. These friendly wolves mated with each other further enhancing the human-friendly qualities... read more

Cats probably moved in to catch and kill rodents that infested homes and food stores, and hung around for a meal and shelter. (Cats are really only marginally domesticated.) Probably dogs came around for food refuse, and gradually began to stick around for food and shelter. Wolves and dogs also live in packs, so they fit right into a family structure. read more

Researchers comparing the genomes of domestic cats with that of wild felines reveal the genetic underpinnings of domestication. It appears that the conversion from feral to Friskies had to do with genes for memory, fear, and kitty treats. read more

Although the oldest fossils of a domesticated dog are from a 14,000-year-old dog grave, DNA evidence suggests dogs diverged from wolves much earlier than that (with estimates ranging from 15,000 to more than 100,000 years ago) [source: Wade]. read more