If there’s one thing that makes your cat special, it’s her independent spirit. But are cats actually more sociable than we think?
Grooming
Independent as they are, cats will sometimes develop relationships with one another. Mutual grooming seems to play a part in this. So if you see your cat grooming the cat from next door, remember it isn’t just about getting clean. They're making friends too – or maybe even making up after a recent fight.
Rubbing
As well as grooming each other, cats also like to rub together their foreheads, cheeks, flanks and sometimes tails. Rubbing is a great way for them to mix their scents and respond to each other’s touch – and some experts think it’s also associated with cat hierarchy. As well as satisfying your cat’s natural instincts, rubbing also gives you the pleasure of seeing your feline friend getting along with her neighbours!
Aggressive behaviour
However good-natured she might be, your cat might sometimes act aggressively. For instance, territorial behaviour might make her try to stop you going into certain parts of the house – she might even try to attack you.
It’s important to remember that this is just part of your cat’s natural behaviour. Perhaps she has lots of pent-up energy from being stuck in the house. Perhaps she spotted a bird through the window and got frustrated because she couldn’t chase it. Or perhaps you happened to walk by while she was staring down her prey, and your presence switched her instantly into hunter mode.
It’s easy to relieve the tension associated with aggressive behaviour. Try giving your cat some toys to play with or objects to climb on. You can also play hunting games with your cat – they'll especially love any kind of toy that’s attached to a piece of string!
You’ll find more details in our article on reducing cat aggression.