« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
SECTION 4: ANY NEED TO BE HOUSED WITH, OR APART FROM, OTHER ANIMALS
Relations with other cats
Your cat should have the choice of avoiding other cats
4.1. Our modern day domestic cats originated from a species that lived a very solitary life. Although they may choose to be sociable with other cats, they are not as good at organising themselves into 'social groups' as are a more naturally social species like dogs. Cats don't have the same range of face and body postures to signal to each other as do dogs, so they cannot easily communicate with each other to help avoid conflicts. This is why cats fight regularly and why fighting can result in serious injuries.
4.2. Cats can form social groups with other cats that they have grown up with or know well, but will feel very threatened by cats outside this well-known group. The tolerance of cats towards other cats also varies with their early experiences ( see Section 3) so their ability and desire to socialise can vary enormously. It is, therefore, best not to keep too many cats together, especially if they do not have access to the outside.
4.3. Where cats come into close contact with other cats which they do not know or like, they may become very stressed; this is the commonest cause of stress in cats. Therefore it is important for you to know how your cats react to other cats, both those kept in the same house as well as those in the neighbourhood. In multi-cat households individual cats that do not like each other should be able to avoid each other.
4.4. Stressed cats may sit still or hide, trying to avoid interactions with other cats. In some cases they may soil or spray indoors or exhibit other signs of stress ( see Section 3).
Relations with other animals and people
Notice how your cat reacts to other pets or people, and make sure that it is able to avoid them if it wants to
4.5. Adults or children who do not understand the needs of cats, or how to handle them correctly, can cause them stress. Responsible adults should ensure that cats in their care are handled properly and are not stressed or endangered by other adults, children or animals. Dogs should be introduced to cats very carefully; the dog should be held safely on a lead at first so that it cannot chase the cat.
« Previous | Contents | Next »