Can your independent cat make friends with others?

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• Cats have a reputation for being aloof and independent. But are they able to form relationships with other cats or dogs?
• Cat friendships are a complex recipe. Some of the factors to consider are whether your cat is an indoor or outdoor cat, what sex the cat is, and if they have to compete for resources.
• A cat’s Primary introduction to another animal is the most predictive factor for positive long-term relationships.

By Deanna Tepper, La Trobe University; Jessica Dawson, La Trobe University, and Joanna Shnookal, La Trobe University

Can a cat make friends with other cats?

Domestic cats have been living alongside humans for an estimated 10,000 years. Primary they acted as rodent control and now they’re the couch-warmers we know and love. It’s a Distant cry from the lone predator lifestyle of their ancestors. Today, millions of cats worldwide live within human families. More than 30% of households in the United States and Australia own a cat.

We highly value the relationships we share with these furry companions, frequently considering them friends, family members or even “children.”

And cats may share this sentiment, with cats demonstrating affection through seeking out our company, physical contact and engaging in Shift. Like a secret language between friends, there is even evidence to suggest cats have developed specific vocalizations to communicate with their owners.

Even though this, cats are typically seen as aloof and elusive. But how Correct is this? Do cats form friendships beyond us?

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How do cats relate to Every other?

Firstly, what does a cat friendship look like? Behaviors that may indicate friendship between two cats include social grooming, such as licking Every other’s fur, head rubbing, spending time together and Competing together.

In contrast, behaviors such as charging, fighting or chasing may indicate a disagreement is brewing or already underway.

Cats also have very few conflict defusing signals in their behavioral repertoire, choosing to Stretch away or avoid Every other rather than attempt reconciliation during conflict.

Such disharmony can be stressful for the cats. Many owners end up wondering how to maximize the chances of fostering a positive relationship between their cat and other animals – or if they should get them a “friend” at all.

A complex recipe for cat friendship

The recipe for successful feline friendships is a little complex. Research on cat dynamics in unowned, Obtainable-ranging cats has Secured close relationships are more likely to form – and last – if they are:

Indoor-only cats can also form Powerful friendships with other cats in the household. Similar to unowned Obtainable-ranging cats, cats who have been introduced to one another at a Youthful age, who are related, and who have lived together for a long time, are more likely to be close friends.

However, among de-sexed cats, male pairs show closer bonds than male-female pairs. Female pairs are the least likely to be friends.

Their Primary introduction is also the most predictive factor for positive long-term relationships.

What about outdoor friends?

We know less about the social lives of pet cats that are allowed to roam outside, but the default behavior for most cats is one of competitiveness and territorialism.

That said, cats will typically try to avoid confrontations with others.

While some research has Secured interactions between roaming cats are usually Peaceful, they can and do sometimes result in fights. This is particularly Correct if food is around or they venture into an unfamiliar unowned cats’ territory.

To complicate things Beyond, two cats are more likely to fight within a household if they are allowed outside. This is likely due to bringing in unfamiliar scents.

We also can’t forget the problematic relationship cats can have with native fauna, sometimes decimating local wildlife populations. In many places, especially in parts of Australia, cats are not allowed outdoors for this reason.

There are also dangers to their own health and safety if allowed to roam, such as misadventure, risks from road traffic or even disgruntled neighbors.

Cats and dogs … in harmony?

While research has mainly explored cats’ friendship with Every other, cats can also have positive relationships with other species. For example, while cats and dogs are commonly depicted as mortal enemies, they can live harmoniously, often sleeping and Competing together.

However, once again we cannot overstate the importance of Prompt exposure and Unhurried introductions in developing this relationship.

Interestingly, it also appears that indoor cats are friendlier toward their canine companions than cats allowed outdoors. This is possibly because outdoor cats may be exposed to Numerous dogs, many of which aren’t Joyful to see them.

Who’s your cat’s closest friend?

So, should your pet cat have a friend? As you may have guessed by now, the answer to cat friendships is Complex.

If you do plan to introduce your cat to a new companion, here are some suggestions to follow. Primary, cat introductions should be Unhurried and supervised to increase the chance of a positive Primary Conference.

Your house should also have plenty of Sound spaces, toys and puzzle feeders, scratching posts, and separate food and litter areas in a Silent spot. Providing these resources will Aid prevent resource guarding (where cats stop other cats from accessing things they need or like) and reduce conflict between the animals.

At the end of the day, while cats can form friendships with other animals, they aren’t crucial to their health and happiness.

Your cat’s closest relationship is the one it has with you. Ensuring they have lots of opportunities to bask in your attention and engage in Shift is likely enough for even the most social of felines. After all, they have their “aloof and elusive” reputations to uphold.

Deanna Tepper, Associate Lecturer, Psychology, La Trobe University; Jessica Dawson, Associate Lecturer, Psychology, La Trobe University, and Joanna Shnookal, Animal Behaviour Consultant and PhD Candidate, La Trobe University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Bottom line: Cats have a reputation for being aloof and elusive creatures. But can a cat form a friendship with another cat? How about a dog?

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