Are cats solitary or social or perhaps both?

[nomadicbry]

Hi

My first post. Been watching the boards for a while and have picked up some useful tips and info...Thanks. We have just got a wee kitten (called Millie) from a friend's cat's litter. There was one left (a tom) and we considered taking it also but decided against it and it got me wondering. Are cats happy on their own. they seem to be quite solitary when adult, that is, you rarely see a group of cats hanging around street corners so to speak except when one is in season.

Is it better to have two cats or will the cat be just as happy by itself and have human playmates instead (my kids love playing with her).

I would be ntereted in your thoughts on this

Cheers,
B

[Moli]

Think it depends on the cat....I have 5 cats, 2 of which are joined at the hip, the other 3 are more solitary.....But at times will play together..

[MadCatLady]

Hello & welcome!

I now have 8 fab Felines in my tribe... sometimes they all get on & sometimes they don't... 4 play together all the time but Bear my dominant male only wants his Ma!

Often 2 keep each other company if you are out working... Just make sure you spey & neuter!

[Elaine]

It probably depends on the individual cat but that said cats do adapt and live together hence feral colonies.
I am not convinced that cats are solitary creatures, solitary hunters yes.

[dandysmom]

Most cats are quite self sufficient by themselves; some are perfectly happy being an only cat, others like a feline companion or so. Elaine mentioned feral colonies, which I was going to.

Welcome to Catsey, BTW; why not post in the Introductions so we can give you a proper welcome, and hear about Millie! You probably know if you've been reading here that we love pics!

[Leesy]

I think cats are perhaps a bit of both, my 2 cats are half brother and sister with only 3 mnths apart in age and they totaly love being with each other.
They love to play and sleep together, and wash each other but they do also at times like to have a bit of their own space.
I think I enjoy the fact that I have 2 as they are so much fun to watch when they are together it is enthralling watching them play and often has us all in stitches.

[dandysmom]

I've never had more than three together; personally think two is ideal; but my girl is determied to be an only cat!!

[angieh]

Hi there nomadicbry! I have just brought a nine week old kitten into a house where the resident girl (about 2) has been living for just over 3 months. I thought she needed a playmate ................ they haven't bonded yet but this is only their second full day. I have my fingers and toes crossed.

You pose a very interesting question and I also wonder whether various breeds of cat are more or less likely to be happy with a friend. For example, I have heard that Siamese cats are better off in pairs. Not sure how true that is.

[random]

I think it depends on the individual cat.

Angie, funny you should say that as Kiara is one of mine who would struggle with being an only cat, her and Princess are always together. Vitaani I think would be just fine, she likes her own space.

[farthing]

i think cats are more social than we think, and in a 'feral' society you have entire animals, living with offspring and siblings, and there is an estabilised heirarchy.

We take in cats, neuter then ( rightly so) and add 'strangers' to the group every so often, which is where I think the problems start and we then think they are solitary.
By my way of thinking a truely solitary animal would not relate to humans as part of their family and show affection in the way that they do.