The Secrets to Cat Socialization:Unmasking Feline Friendships

Cats have mastered many arts: the art of the purr, the stealthy prowl, and the ability to hone in on any document or laptop you might be using to flop their bodies down onto. More seriously, cats have their own ways of communicating and interacting with their worlds. Whether they are dealing with other cars or people, they tend to march to the beat of their own drum.

But what do their social behaviours mean? For a cat who hasn’t interacted with people or many other cats, their behaviour might be erratic and unpredictable. For one who isn’t feral and has lived a standard life as a house cat, there is some nuance to the way they do things. Let’s take a look at some of those specific behaviours!

Cat Behaviours Worth Looking At

The Blinks
Cats say hello differently from people. In fact, many do it with slow blinks. Imagine what our society might look like if we replaced all hellos and handshakes with slow blinking. It might make for a much slower world! Think about what it might be like with everyone getting on a bus stopping to slowly blink at the driver then taking their seat. Next time you are looking at your cat, shoot them some slow blinks and see if they blink back!

Hot and Cold
Cats can be finicky. When they aren’t slowly blinking hello at you, they’re deciding what they like and dislike – seemingly at random. On one hand, they may adore chin scratches, but then absolutely despise belly rubs. They'll purr with delight one moment and give you the stink-eye the next. The trick is to figure out their preferences for interaction and respect their boundaries. It's like deciphering a complex code, but one that becomes easier with time.

Around Other Kitties
While they may be finicky with people, you can usually predict how a cat will interact with other cats – especially those they don’t already know. If you've ever thought about arranging a feline playdate, maybe think again. Cats are notorious for their territorial nature, and introducing two adult cats can quickly devolve into both of them screaming and making threats to each other. Cats are not like dogs. They do not like playdates, and they will let you know.

The Tail Broadcast
One way to get a sense of how your cat is doing in a social situation is to check their tail. These things are like naval flags in that they can broadcast a number of different things - from annoyance to happiness. For example: a quivering tail can mean they’re excited while a puffed-up tail is usually the product of being scared or threatened. Learn to read the tail signs of your cat and you’ll be ahead of the game in your household!

A Good Resting Spot Makes a More Sociable Cat
If you're hosting a gathering and want your cat to shine as the life of the party, provide them with a cozy hideaway. Cats are social creatures, but they also appreciate a quiet retreat where they can regroup and recharge. Some absolutely love being around people, but like people, they often need a break after rubbing shoulders for longer stretches.

Nap Mapping/Networking
Cats have a reputation for sleeping a lot, but did you know they do some of their best work while asleep? While snoozing, cats soak up the scents of their surroundings, forming a mental map of their territory. Additionally, if other cats are present, it affords them the chance to familiarize themselves with their scents in a calm and relaxed manner. It’s like networking in the cat world!

The Language of Play
Play is the universal language of cats. A feather wand, a laser pointer, or a crumpled ball of paper can bridge the gap between human and feline, and even feline and feline. While we cannot speak to a cat directly, we can play with them and show them we are trying to understand them. It can mean a lot for a creature the size of a human to play with a smaller animal and show gentle, kind, loving responses. These are what build trust.

Final Thoughts

Cats have their own unique way of socializing with people and each other and it’s up to us to try our best to understand them. We cannot send cats off to a finishing school to learn English or how to eat a meal politely, but we can do our best to meet them at their level, engage with them, and try our best to show them we care. These are some of the fundamentals of pet ownership and cats will appreciate you showing them love by giving giving it back in droves.