The Taming of the Cat.

This article discusses research into the evolution of domesticated cats, which is complicated by the fact that they do not appear to serve humans. Although several species are morphologically similar, genetic research focusing on mitochondrial DNA and genetic microsatellites found that domesticated cats descended from F. sylvestris lybica. Archaeological research indicating cats came to live with humans as the prevalence of house mice in agricultural settlements increased is noted. INSETS: THE HOUSE CAT'S ANCESTOR;EARLY DOMESTICATION;FROM WILD TO MILD;The Truth about Cats and Dogs