Much has been said about the cat: that it is a lonely animal, who knows how to take care of themselves and who do not need anyone to survive. Although it is true that cats tend to enjoy their time alone, the reality is more complex. If a cat has established a bond with another animal or a person, they can display surprisingly sociable behavior.
In fact, recent studies have shown what many cat lovers already knew, or at least suspected: cats are not as solitary as we thought. In this article, we will analyze in detail the degree of sociability of cats, debunking myths and basing ourselves on research that has broadened our understanding of these wonderful felines.
Is the cat really a solitary animal?
The widespread perception that cats are solitary animals probably comes from their nature as hunters. In the wild, cats often hunt and live alone due to their skills as solitary huntersTheir hunting method is based on patience and stealth, which allows them to ambush their prey without help. However, this does not mean that all cats prefer social solitude.
The behaviour of domestic cats has evolved with the process of domestication. Unlike wild cats, cats that share a home with humans are no longer so territorial and are more willing to interact with humans and other animals. This process has made them more tolerant of social contact, especially when they have been properly socialised from an early age.
The importance of early socialization
La socialization begins from the moment they are born. During the first few weeks of life, kittens form a strong bond with his mother, who is responsible for keeping them warm, fed and protected. This first emotional bond is crucial for a cat's social development, as it teaches them that they can depend on others for their well-being.
Later, kittens begin to interact with their siblings. This period, usually between 18 and 24 months, 6 to 12 weeks old, is essential for their social development. Playing with their siblings teaches them to moderate their behavior, understand limits, and develop fundamental social skills.
If the kitten is adopted at around 8 weeks of age, it is at an optimal point for successful socialization with humans. If it is provided with a safe environment and treated with affection, it will soon learn to form affective bonds with people in your home.
Stray cats and their life in “clans”
Contrary to popular belief, stray cats do not always live alone. They may form groups or clans where they protect each other and work together to find food. These clans are more common in areas where resources are limited and collaboration offers an evolutionary advantage.
Finding cats that live in complete solitude is rare. If we observe a stray cat that seems to be alone, it has probably been abandoned or separated from his mother recently. Cats have an incredible ability to form relationships, both with other cats and with humans, which allows them to live better when they are in a group.
Do stray cats have feelings?
In several recordings it has been observed that cats can show behaviors that were previously attributed exclusively to species such as dogs. A very revealing video shows a cat trying to revive your friend, who is unconscious on the ground. The cat gives him what appears to be a heart massage and lies down next to him to keep him warm. This type of social behavior reflects a level of empathy that is not always associated with felines.
Although the myth that cats are cold animals persists, there is no doubt that they are capable of creating deep emotional bonds, both with other felines and with humans. The reason we tend to see fewer displays of affection in cats is because their body language is very subtle and often misinterpreted.
Why are cats believed to be solitary?
It is common to compare cats to dogs, a species known for their need for constant contact and their gregarious behavior. However, felines have a territorial nature very marked, which leads them to prefer their own personal space. Similarly, cats do not usually exhibit the extroverted social behaviors typical of other species. This has contributed to their reputation as solitary and independent beings.
However, several recent studies have shown that cats also enjoy social interaction. Although they do not immediately rush to seek our attention, when they establish trust with their caregivers, they can become surprisingly affectionate. In fact, research conducted in the United States revealed that cats feel calmer when they are near their owners.
Adaptation to human life
Over the centuries, cats have learned to live with humans. Although they retain much of their territorial behavior, many felines have learned to tolerate and even enjoy the company of other cats, provided the conditions are right.
In a domestic environment, cats often seek out human contact, especially if they have been socialized from a young age. As in feral cat colonies, where felines engage in moderate social interactions, domestic cats can also develop emotional ties with their caregivers. Curiously, some indoor cats seek out human contact more than felines living outdoors, possibly because life indoors deprives them of other external stimuli.
Can cats live alone or do they need company?
Even within domestic cats there are notable differences in character. Some adapt perfectly to living alone and do not show stress when left alone for short periods. Others, however, feel much happier if they have the company of a fellow cat or an attentive caregiver.
If you decide to adopt a cat, it is important to observe its behavior to understand its needs. While some cats will enjoy independence and prefer to have their own space, others may develop symptoms of loneliness, such as aggressiveness, excessive meowing or changes in their eating behavior.
Some felines really enjoy the company of other cats. For those who have been properly socialized, having a companion can enrich their lives and offer entertainment and comfort when their caregivers are not around.
Every cat is a unique individual with its own social preferences. The belief that cats are solitary animals is beginning to crumble thanks to studies that reveal the opposite: they can form deep bonds, both with other members of their species and with humans, and their social behavior is, in many cases, much more complex than previously thought.