17/06/2025
Cats’ are incredibly adaptive and are now considered a ‘socially flexible’ species, meaning they can live with or without the company of other cats. But…and it’s a big but, that’s not to say all cats can happily live alongside others, crucially just because cats come together for feeding or to sleep on the same bed doesn’t mean they like each other or that stress isn’t occurring.
So how do you know if your kittys’ like each other..?
🐈 Well bonded cats will often sleep together, sometimes even partially on top of another.
🐈⬛ Affection can be demonstrated via allorubbing (rubbing against each other) and allogrooming (grooming each other).
🐈 Nose touching (a cute little boop) is another sign of a happily bonded pair.
How can you maximise the likelihood of having well bonded and happy cats?
A) a suitable pairing - cat relationships are fragile! Siblings from the same litter often make more successful pairings but it’s important to look at individual temperaments. If you have an outgoing and boisterous brute it is likely to frighten a timid and shy kitty. Boy/girl pairings are also considered to have a higher chance of successful bonding. If it is not possible to adopt related cats, adult cats are more likely to accept kittens who are seen as less of a threat.
B) Resources!! In the wild colonies form only when there are an abundance of resources. Resources for our domestic cats are; food & water stations, litter trays, toys, scratching posts and resting places - high, low and private. The general rule for these resources are one per cat plus one extra. Additionally these resources should be available at different locations within the home to prevent bullying. Space is another important consideration, overcrowding increases stress.
And did you know aggression and bullying is not always a hiss or a swipe with lots of noise. It can be as simple as sitting in a door way to prevent another passing or staring across a room…