Are cats social animals or are they solitary animals? Are they independent? Do cats fight for dominance?
These are some of the questions that come to mind when we think about adopting a new cat into the family. We tend to look at the cats in our family and think of them as little people with feelings and needs. Cats are animals with special characters, with interesting and sometimes surprising social behaviors.
Cats in a cattery?
In the wild, the cat is an animal that defends its territory because it is the perimeter where it roams, where it gets its food to survive. Our domestic cats have retained some of the characteristics of their ancestors, but have adapted very well to domestic life, where humans provide them with an abundance of food.
Cats can live in groups, but this is not a necessity for them. Kittens are quite friendly and playful with other cats and even with humans if they are habituated from a young age, but their adaptation depends on their early socialization, between 8 and 16 weeks. They join in family activities and their social skills are developed as we play with them more.
Every social group has some sort of hierarchy, and each individual has a clearly defined place. Several cats live in a cattery, each with their own preferences, their own playmates, sometimes getting along better, sometimes less well. In the middle of this dynamic, when the collective harmony exceeds expectations, there is likely to be a dominant cat, an alpha cat (male or female, neutered or not). The dominant cat exerts its influence not through aggression or coercion, but by demonstrating unwavering confidence and security, cultivating trust in its peers, who willingly follow. Recognizing the dominant cat is not easy.
Dominance can manifest itself through behaviors such as occupying high places, marking territory by rubbing objects with the glands on the face and head, it is first to food, to water.
In houses where several cats live, the most important thing is to provide enough room.
– Sufficient space, according to some standards each cat needs 10 m2,
– Free access to a litter box, usually one more than the number of cats, cleaned twice a day so that each cat has free access,
– Clean water and sufficient food bowls in multiple locations so that all cats have access.
– Beds, enough sisals for each cat to feel comfortable, places to retreat, hide, and play freely.
Blocking a cat’s access to litter, food or water by another cat is a huge stress that we can prevent by paying attention to the above details.
Regular hygiene and disinfection should not be neglected.
Will a cat accept another cat into its life?
Adopted cats today live a spoiled, childlike life. Many people find that a lonely cat gets bored and want to adopt another kitten to have a companion to play with.
Adult cats that have been raised in catteries that emphasize socialization when they are young, and are used to living in a community with several cats of different ages, are more likely to accept a young cat. Kittens of the same or close age will adapt quickly to living together, playing and becoming inseparable friends within days of first contact. However, it is common for an adult cat to lose its lifelong companion and to suffer from loneliness. It is very important that the two cats are a good match, that they have similar or complementary personalities.
If you are bringing a new cat into a home that already has an adult cat, keep the two cats apart at the beginning. Give the new cat a room of her own to get used to the new home, with her own food, warm bed, water bowl, and litter box.
In the early stages, help the two cats get used to each other’s scents. Let the cat smell your hands and clothes. Next, allow them to interact for short periods of time in your presence, preferably in a neutral room.
You can use pheromone sprays and electric diffusers around the house, such as Feliway, Breeztee or Trixie catnip solution spray, as these can help them relax and accept the presence of other cats.
After a few interactions, the two cats can be left together; they don’t need to be forced to stay close together. They should have plenty of space and places to hide if they wish, adequate food and water bowls, and separate litter boxes.
Equal attention should be given to both, and their grooming and play habits should be shared.
If all goes well, the two cats should become good friends, playing, grooming each other, but this kind of relationship can take time.
Many of our beloved kittens are living with their siblings in their new homes, some of them left together, some a year apart, Foxy and Snow, Kasper and Giulia, Cindy and Ares, Freddy and Fiona, Jasper and Jackson, Marty and Ronnie. They adapted very quickly, thanks to wise parents who knew how to take care of them.
Read also What is the right age for a kitten to leave the litter?
