How is the sociability of the cat?

Surely more than once you have been told that cats are lonely, independent, that they can live without humans and that they can even be left alone for more than a week without problem. But… is this true?

Well, I'll tell you about what I know, what I see every day and what I think is common sense. I am going to explain to you what the sociability of the cat is like, From my point of view.

Before starting, I think it's convenient to briefly explain who I am. I have not studied veterinary medicine, nor am I a feline ethologist. I'm just a person who's been living with cats since I was a child (from the age of 10), and who is professionally dedicated to writing articles. I feel fortunate to be able to enjoy the company and the teachings of several felines (4 at home, and 5 in the garden).

So, having said that, let's get down to business now.

Are cats sociable?

Kittens, from the first moment they are born, take their mother as a reference; not in vain, it is the only thing they have. They learn everything from her: to groom themselves, to control their strength when they play, to hunt, to eat, to defend themselves and to seek refuge when the time is right, and also to be sociable (or not) with humans. What will it depend on? Whether she learned it when she was little.

For this reason it is very, very important that they are not separated before they are two months old, since otherwise it would not be uncommon for children to suffer from a disorder known as PICA, which is characterized by the desire to chew, sometimes even ingest, things that should not be such as plastics, papers, etc. But in addition, it is highly recommended - in fact, it is necessary - that humans are present and that we pick up the furry a few times a day from the moment they are weaned.

Special case: stray cats

Cats are not stupid. They know that in a group the chances of survival are higher than if they live alone. So, street people tend to gather in small groups (or groupazos) called colonias. These usually are cared for by volunteers who are in charge of taking them to eat and drink, vaccinate and neuter them, all with the money of other volunteers or their own.

And of course, when a furry has been abandoned or is new to the area and sees that there is regular food, it will tend to come closer and closer. At first, there will be some members who reject it: they are usually strong male cats or female cats who do not like these visits too much. But little by little and as the days or weeks go by, the "new" will become one more.

Because, deep down, all or practically all cats are friendly and tolerant.

Do they go through a period of socialization like dogs?

If you are also a lover of dogs and you know them, you will know that from two to three months (a little more or less) they go through a sensitive period during which they must be exposed to the presence and contact with people, they also need to get used to the noises of the cars and others so that later you will not be afraid of them. Does the same thing happen to cats?

The truth is that yes. From 6-7 weeks of age and up to 3 months they must get used to humans and other furry ones if they are going to live with some in the future, because if they don't do it now, they will hardly do it later. We cannot forget that cats are animals that have not been completely domesticated (I would rather say that they have not been domesticated, but that they have simply conquered our hearts and do with us what they want 🙂).

How to get cats to be sociable?

To achieve this we must, as I said, start dedicating a lot of time to them from the moment they are weaned, or from the first day they arrive home. But what does that mean? Very easy:

• We will cuddle them (caresses, kisses, hold them in our arms) several times a day. At least, there should be about ten, but the more the better (yes, without harassing them).
• You have to play a lot with themNot only because they are going to ask us - they have a lot of energy! - but also because the game is a way to strengthen the bonds of friendship. For that, a simple ball made of aluminum foil that is about the size of a golf ball will suffice. It is a very easy toy to make that, trust me, you will love it 😉.
• We will give them treats for cats daily, but without going overboard. About 2 or 3 are enough, and as long as they have done something that we liked.
• We will keep you company. It is not necessary to be on top of cats to show them that you love them. The fact of accompanying them when they eat, letting them snuggle up next to us or watching them while they play, all without intervening too much, or even slowly opening and closing their eyes are signs of respect and affection that they greatly appreciate.
• If we intend to live with a dog or another furry now or later, it is time for the little felines to have contact with them. Therefore, if we have friends who have dogs or other animals - who of course get along with cats - we can ask them to go home with them.

Can feral cats be?

Feral cats are those that have been born and raised on the street, and that have no contact with humans beyond what they may have (eye contact) with the volunteers who are going to bring them food. Therefore, You should NOT try to live with one of them in a house because what for us is a refuge, for them is a kind of cage.

Ferals love freedom above all else, and cannot be forced within four walls. It would be like having a bird, an animal that flies, caged. It would be very sad.

You have more information on the subject here.

And with this I end. If you have any doubts, leave them in the comments. 🙂