Practical guidance on how to facilitate harmonious feline social interactions with conspecifics

Abstract

The domestic cat (Felis sylvestris catus) is not an obligate social animal, and as such, does not need to live with conspecifics to achieve high-standards of welfare. However, some cats can learn to form social bonds with another cat(s). Cat owners can encounter behaviour problems with one or more cats in the home if they are not socially bonded. This paper gives feline care-givers practical guidance on how best to introduce a new cat to an existing cat in the home and how to maintain the home environment so that there is the best chance of a social bond forming and being maintained.