Do cats have “friends” or do they compete for territory? Animal experts say …

Home cats live alongside people estimated 10,000 yearsFirst as a control of rodents, and then as the sofas we know and love. Far from Lonely lifestyle of their ancestors’ predatorsToday, millions of cats around the world live in human families. Over 30% of households in United States AND Australia have a cat.

We value the relationships that we share with these fur companions, often taking them into account Friends, family members and even “children”.

And this sentiment can be made available with cats demonstrating feelings By searching for our company, physical contact and engaging in fun. Like a secret language between friends, there is even evidence To suggest that cats have developed specific vocalizations to communicate with their owners.

Despite this, cats are usually perceived as From a distance and elusive. But how is it? Do cats create friendships outside of us?

Complex recipe

First of all, what is friendly with the cat look like? Behaviors that may indicate friendship Between two cats they include social care, such as fur licking, rubbing the head, spending time together and playing together.

However, behaviors such as charging, fighting or racing may indicate discord There is brewing or already in progress.

Cats also have very little Signals “dissolving the conflict” In your behavioral repertoire, choosing to escape or avoid, and not try to reconcile during the conflict.

Such disharmony can be stressful for cats. Many owners wonder how to maximize the chances of supporting a positive relationship between their cat and other animals – or whether they should get a “friend” at all.

The recipe for successful cat friendships is somewhat complex. Studies on dynamics of cat in uninteresting, free cats have shown that close relationships are more likely that they are created-and the last-if they are:

Only internal cats can also make strong friendships with other cats in the household. Like unused free cats, cats that were presented to each other Young agewho is relatedand who has He lived together for a long timeThey are more likely that they will be close friends.

However, among detached cats, Men’s couples show closer ties than male couples. Female couples are the least likely that they will be friends.

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

What about friends outdoors?

We know less about the social life of domestic cats that can wander outside, but the default behavior of most cats is one of the competitiveness AND Territorialism.

To say, cats usually try to avoid confrontation with others.

While some studies have shown interactions between wandering cats Usually calmThey can and sometimes cause fights – especially if the food is nearby or venture into the unknown the territory of unnecessary cats.

To complicate even more, Two cats are fighting more often In the household, if they are allowed outside – probably because of the brought unknown fragrances.

We can’t forget either problematic relationship Cats can have with native fauna, sometimes decimating local wildlife populations. In many places, especially in some parts of Australia, cats are not allowed outside.

There are also dangers own health and safety If they allow themselves to wander, such as misfortune, he risks from road traffic and even dissatisfied neighbors.

Cats and dogs … in harmony?

While the research mainly studied cat friendship, cats can also have positive relationships with other species. For example, while cats and dogs are widely depicted as mortal enemies, they can often live harmoniously, Sleeping and playing together.

However, the meaning once again Early exhibition AND Slow introduction By developing this relationship, you cannot overestimate.

Interestingly, it seems that this Internal cats They are more friendly towards their dog companions than cats allowed outside. This is because cats outside can be exposed to many dogs, many of which are not satisfied.

Who is your cat’s closest friend?

So should your cat have a friend? As you could guess now, the answer to the friendships of cats is complicated.

If you plan to present your cat to a new companion, here are some Suggestions to follow. First of all, the introduction of Cat should be slow and supervised to increase the chance of a positive first meeting.

Your home He should also have many safe spaces, toys and puzzle feeders, scratching as well as separate food and litter in a quiet place. The supply of these resources will help prevent resource protection (where cats stop other cats from access to things they need or like) and reducing the conflict between animals.

At the end of the day, while cats can make friendships with other animals, they are not crucial for their health and happiness.

The closest relationship of your cat is the one who has with you. Ensuring that they have many possibilities Fall in love with your attention AND play in the game It is likely for even the most social cats. After all, they have their own “distant and elusive” reputations.

Author: Deanna TepperAssociated lecturer, psychology, La Trobe University; Jessica DawsonAssociated lecturer, psychology, La Trobe UniversityAND Joanna SHNOOKALAnimal behavior consultant and PhD student, La Trobe University

This article is published from Conversation under the Creative Commons license. Read Original article.

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