Domestic cats are descended from the African wildcat, which is believed to have been domesticated around 10,000 years ago. Over time, cats have adapted to living with humans by developing a closer bond with them and becoming more tolerant of human presence. They have also evolved to become more dependent on humans for food and shelter, and have learned to recognize their owners' voices and faces. Domestic cats have also developed a variety of physical traits, such as short legs, short tails, and round faces, which make them better suited to living in close proximity to humans.