Regardless of whether you are a big fan of cats, it is undeniable that these animals are more independent and solitary than dogs and other pets. As I mentioned BBCUniversity of Lincoln (UK) Recent studies corroborate the previous statement and reinforce the reputation conquered by our felines.
But what is the main reason these little creatures are reluctant when it comes to working together? Or because other species have a more refined collective ethos? Apparently, the evolution of feline has a lot to do with the behavior we observe today. Understood!
life in nature
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In general, group life is a common feature of nature. Just as birds had flocks, shoals, fishes, flocks of elephants, etc., predators also have the habit of hunting together. No wonder we see lions, relatives of domestic cats, living in a community.
However, the community that exists among predators is relatively far from the species that others hunt. Living in enclosures is a safety strategy for many animals, but foraging for food is usually not easy. A predator can only get one prey at a time and this can lead to food shortages for a group.
This does not mean that living in a society does not have its benefits – quite the contrary. However, for some species, sharing food is not rewarding. And cats eat a lot. The difference between lions and other small cats is that their prey is usually large enough to divide among several members of a group, a privilege that only the formidable force of these predators can provide.
domestication process
(Source: Shutterstock)
Even if genealogical heritage had taught cats to be solitary, it is conceivable that the domestication of humans would have altered this preference for solitude. However, it must be understood that cats practically domesticated themselves.
The explanation is simple: domestic cats are direct descendants of Middle Eastern wild cats, or wild cats. These animals did not leave the forests because they were “forced”, but because they wanted to live near human quarters – where mice were easy to find.
In doing so, they have become a useful tool in keeping our homes clean and we have become a safe source of food for them. Thus, they have developed mechanisms to live with us, even if this involves a different level of socialization than other pets.
These emotional bonds seem to get stronger over time, but you can still see signs that cats don’t find it worthwhile to share and share – especially food – with humans and others of their kind. So give your cat the space she needs to stay comfortable and happy living with you!
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