Cats as Solitary Animals – Why That Idea Is Outdated

For a long time, cats were described as solitary animals. Unlike dogs, they were believed to prefer isolation and minimal social contact. This assumption has influenced cat keeping for decades, particularly in indoor households. More recent research and long-term observation show that this view is incomplete and does not reflect how cats naturally organise their social lives.

How cats live in the wild

Free-living cats are not strictly solitary. While cats hunt alone, many live in stable social groups when environmental conditions allow it. In areas with predictable food sources, such as farms or urban neighbourhoods, feral and street cats often form colonies. These groups usually consist of related females and their offspring, sharing resting places and raising kittens within the group. Social bonds develop through regular proximity, grooming, play, and scent-based communication. Male cats often roam across larger territories, but they continue to interact with these groups rather than living in complete isolation.

Solitary hunters, not solitary animals

The widespread belief that cats prefer isolation largely comes from their hunting behaviour. Cats hunt alone because it reduces competition and increases efficiency, but this behaviour applies only to hunting. Outside of this context, cats are capable of forming stable social relationships. Confusing solitary hunting with a lack of social needs has led to the mistaken assumption that cats are naturally unsocial animals.

What this means for indoor cats

Indoor cats live in an environment that differs greatly from free-living conditions. They cannot choose their social partners freely or leave situations they find stressful. Some cats adapt well to living alone, particularly older individuals or cats with a strong bond to their human caregivers. Others, however, may experience understimulation or social deprivation. Changes in behaviour such as increased vocalisation, excessive sleeping, destructive habits, or strong attachment to humans are often interpreted as personality traits, even though they may reflect unmet social needs.

Why two indoor cats can be beneficial

For many indoor households, adopting two compatible cats can better reflect the species’ natural social flexibility. A feline companion provides forms of interaction that humans cannot fully replace, including play, physical closeness, and species-specific communication. Cats that are raised together or adopted as bonded pairs often establish stable routines and cope more easily with periods of human absence.

Individual needs and careful decisions

Not every cat benefits from living with another cat. Individual temperament, previous experiences, available space, and proper introduction all play an important role. Even socially tolerant cats require the ability to retreat and maintain personal space. Understanding feline social behaviour helps ensure that companionship supports wellbeing rather than creating stress.

Conclusion

The idea of cats as strictly solitary animals is outdated. Cats are socially adaptable, and their behaviour is shaped by environment and resources rather than a fixed preference for isolation. Recognising this complexity allows for more informed decisions in cat care and supports healthier outcomes, particularly for cats living exclusively indoors.