It isn't known exactly when humans first domesticated cats, but it's believed to have happened around 7,000 to 9,000 years ago. This event is tied to the beginning of agriculture and the formation of the first human settlements.
As people began storing grain, large numbers of rodents appeared, threatening food supplies. Cats likely came to human settlements on their own, drawn by the abundance of rodents; people, in turn, noticed their usefulness and began feeding and protecting them, which led to gradual domestication.
The domestication of cats was a gradual process that took thousands of years. Unlike dogs, which were actively domesticated by humans, cats largely adapted to life with people on their own. They were useful from the very start, so there was no need to change them.
Up until the 19th century there was hardly any breeding or selection of cats, unlike what happened with dogs. Over time, cats underwent a series of genetic changes that made them better adapted to living with humans. People likely began selecting cats with certain traits, such as calmer behavior and greater tolerance of people.
The bond between humans and cats is one of the oldest and most complex in history. Cats went from wild hunters to beloved household pets, and their role in our lives continues to change and evolve to this day.