Oldest Known Domestic Cats in US Found in 1559 Florida Shipwreck

Quick Summary

• Researchers discovered remains of two domestic cats on a Spanish shipwreck off the coast of Florida, dating back 466 years.
• The shipwreck, Emanuel Point II, was part of a colonizing expedition led by Tristán de Luna y Arellano in 1559. The fleet encountered a hurricane near its settlement in Santa María de Ochuse.
• The cats were identified as domestic species through zooarchaeological, isotopic, and genetic analyses.
• One adult cat had a diet resembling that of the sailors onboard rather than eating rats. This suggests it may have been fed by humans intentionally or kept as a pet.
• Both cats likely descended from European ancestors and might have been aboard to control pest populations (rats/mice). Cats were historically valued for their pest-control abilities across Europe since Roman times.
• Domestic cats originated in the Middle East before being introduced to the Americas via human migrations and expeditions such as those from Spain.

Images:
!Cat sleeping on a ship
A caption about cat history aboard ships.

!Old cat bones
A caption detailing feline remains found from Emanuel Point II.

Indian opinion Analysis

This study offers insights into early human-animal cohabitation and practical roles for domesticated animals during major historical events. For India-where domestic cats hold cultural significance-it underscores that societies across time shared common practices like using pets for pest control while bonding emotionally with them. Historical cases like this illuminate worldwide patterns of human-cat relationships.

India’s archaeologists could draw inspiration from such research methodologies (e.g., DNA analysis on ancient animal remains) to investigate similar dynamics within the subcontinent’s rich history-especially given India’s long traditions involving domestic animals in trade routes and settlements. Such studies contribute valuable perspectives beyond material artifacts alone.

Read More: Live Science Article