Cats are naturally solitary with highly territorial behaviors, but domestic cats often live in groups of one or more.
A study published in July in the journal PLOS ONE investigated how cats might have adapted to get along with others by looking at the hormone levels, gut microbiomes and social behaviors of shelter cats living in groups.
The results showed that cats with high levels of cortisol and testosterone had less contact with other cats; additionally, cats with high testosterone were more likely to try to escape.
Cats with low cortisol and testosterone had more tolerant cat-to-cat interactions. Additionally, cats who were in frequent contact had more similar gut microbiomes.
3 thoughts on “Exploring How Domestic Cats Can Live in Groups”
"In groups of MORE THAN ONE!
What is a group of one?
Several years ago I started feeding a feral cat that came to my yard. Every year she has gifted me with a litter of sweet kittens. Some years there was only 1 that survived, other years there were three. Last year was a banner year and she had six.! I am not always quick enough to socialize them so they could go to new homes. There are twelve of her kittens living in my yard and garage in an extended family unit. They obviously love one another. Last winter two chose to stay inside, others come in for a visit then ask to go back out. I do wish I could get her to the vet to be spayed. She is very good at avoiding capture unfortunately. I will continue to try. Her kittens have been spayed/neutered but for 1 male who has also evaded capture.