Do cats have friends? The truth about feline friendliness.

Domestic cats have been living alongside humans for about 10,000 years. We adore our furry companions, often considering them friends, family members, or even “children.” It seems this affection is mutual. After all, cats show us their love by eagerly spending time with us and inviting us to play. Yet, they are often perceived as aloof and elusive. So, are they truly our friends, and can they form friendships “on the side,” for instance, when we’re not around?

Complex Relationships

First, let’s imagine what friendship looks like among cats. Behaviors that indicate friendliness between these animals include mutual grooming, head-butting, spending time together, and playing. Conversely, actions like attacking, fighting, or chasing signal disagreements and a lack of friendliness. Cats have very few signals in their behavioral repertoire that indicate “conflict resolution.” During a heated dispute, they are more likely to flee or avoid their adversary rather than seek reconciliation. This disharmony can be quite stressful for cats. People often wonder how to maximize the chances of establishing positive relationships between a cat and other animals. However, the recipe for successful feline friendship is rather complex. Research on the behavior of stray cats has shown that close relationships are more likely to form and endure when it involves females that have grown up together and live nearby. Indoor cats can also develop strong friendships with other cats in the household. Similar to their outdoor counterparts, cats introduced at a young age, who are related and have lived together for a long time, are more likely to become close friends. Interestingly, among “neutered” cats, pairs of neutered males tend to show closer bonds than male-female pairs. Meanwhile, spayed females are the least likely to become friends.

What About Outdoor Friendships?

Science knows little about the social lives of domestic cats allowed to roam outside. However, for most cats, competition for territory is typical behavior. While some studies have shown that interactions among stray cats are usually calm, these relationships often involve fights, especially when there’s a food source nearby or when animals enter each other’s territory. The situation is further complicated by the fact that two cats allowed outdoors are more likely to fight each other indoors. This occurs due to unfamiliar scents that the furry friends bring back from outside. Although researchers have primarily studied friendships among cats, it is known that these animals can also have positive relationships with other species. For example, while cats and dogs are often considered mortal enemies, they frequently live in harmony, sleeping and playing together. However, early introductions between the animals are crucial for such harmony, as reported by Science Alert. Interestingly, domestic cats tend to behave more amicably with dogs than strays do. This is likely because street cats experience aggression from homeless dogs.

Who is Your Cat’s Closest Friend?

So, does your cat have a friend? As mentioned, the answer to the question of feline friendship is complex. If you plan to introduce your cat to a new companion, here are a few tips to follow. First and foremost, the introduction of cats should be slow and controlled; this increases the likelihood of a positive first meeting. Your home should have plenty of safe spaces, toys, puzzle feeders, scratching posts, and separate areas for food and litter. This will protect the animals from potential conflicts. Ultimately, while cats can befriend other animals, this is not crucial for their health and happiness. And while it may soothe your ego, the closest friendship your cat establishes is with you. She enjoys your attention and is happy to be near you, even though she does her best to maintain her reputation as an aloof and elusive creature.

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