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==Introduction==
==Introduction==
Cats have often been mistakenly characterised as solitary animals as a result of their depiction in popular literature, and due to the results of early studies of cat behaviour. This is a false perception that has persisted in the popular imagination. Whilst they do use [[distance-maintaining behaviour]] to avoid direct conflict with each other, the importance of social interaction in this species is clear from the presence of specific distance decreasing and [[affiliative behaviours]].
Cats have often been mistakenly characterised as solitary animals as a result of their depiction in popular literature, and due to the results of early studies of cat behaviour. This is a false perception that has persisted in the popular imagination. Whilst they do use [[distance-maintaining behaviour]] to avoid direct conflict with each other, the importance of social interaction in this species is clear from the presence of specific distance decreasing and [[affiliative behaviours]].
Natural social groups are made of related female cats and juveniles, with adult males and surplus females being displaced from the group at maturity. Intact males will range over much larger territories, visiting different groups of females to mate.
==Group Size==
==Group Size==
==Social Behaviour==
==Social Behaviour==
[[Aggression]] is seen between females that are not members of the same social group, as there is competition between groups for access to food and shelter. However, juvenile cats are more receptive to social contact with unfamiliar individuals, which may favour the formation of new groups by young adult cats.
[[Feline Aggression|Aggression]] is seen between females that are not members of the same social group, as there is competition between groups for access to food and shelter. However, juvenile cats are more receptive to social contact with unfamiliar individuals, which may favour the formation of new groups by young adult cats.
When cats rub against each other and groom each other they transfer scent to create a common group odour. In wild or feral cat groups, individuals may already share strong odour similarities since in most cases groups are composed of related females. '''Allorubbing and allogrooming''' of this kind are essential to social bonding but do not contribute to self-maintenance; cats can groom themselves successfully without assistance form others.
When cats rub against each other and groom each other they transfer scent to create a common group odour. In wild or feral cat groups, individuals may already share strong odour similarities since in most cases groups are composed of related females. '''Allorubbing and allogrooming''' of this kind are essential to social bonding but do not contribute to self-maintenance; cats can groom themselves successfully without assistance form others.