An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c6.s7.1

v1.c6.s7.1

The identification of the domestic cat (*Felis catus domesticus*) is extremely difficult on the basis of skeletal remains, its bones having been reported only from a few sites. The cat is one of the few animals that can easily revert to its feral state in the early stages of domestication. Changes in hair-length and colour, a general reduction in size, a broadening of the skull, corresponding to a shortening of the face and, occasionally, changes in dentition are some of the characteristic traits associated with the domestic breeds.