Greger Larson

This week we're joined by Ancient DNA Specialist, Professor Greger Larson of Oxford University who has revealed that cats have only been domesticated for 4,000 years. Until very recently we have assumes this figure was 10,000 years. Prof Greger discusses how his work helps map our relationships with both cats and dogs in line with our own human evolution. Explaining that although cats were thought to have been domesticated around 10,000 years ago , in fact the latest science suggests that cats began their close relationship with humans relatively recently especially when compared to dogs. He explains the cats’ evolution and why the ancient Egyptians thought of them as deities, and why their recent domestication means they are literally more wild than dogs. Cats were happy to stay at a comfortable distance from humans for thousands of years. Unlike dogs, we chat briefly on a very new discovery that potentially is the oldest known dog to ever! Some argue it’s a vital missing link, but will this change our knowledge of dogs per se? However Prof Greger could have an announcement brewing that might just change this. Get 20% off your first purchase by using the promo code AnnaWebb20 when you check out at Naturaw.co.uk This episode is powered by Antinol. We're super proud to be working with them and you can enjoy at 10% discount on your purchase by using our promocode ANNAWEBB. Remember - you're supporting A Dog's Life by supporting our proud sponsor! For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions Cover art by Jaijo Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

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Greger Larson is an episode from A Dog's Life with Anna Webb by Anna Webb.

This episode is 39:31 long.

This episode was published on Feb 8, 2026.

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