Changes

* The size and layout of a cat’s territory is adapted to the availability of resources, such as food.  

* The size and layout of a cat’s territory is adapted to the availability of resources, such as food.  

* Cats will choose to occupy small territories if food resources are sufficient.

* Cats will choose to occupy small territories if food resources are sufficient.

* In the UK, suburban environments often have a high cat population density and a lack of suitable marking locations, so that territorial boundaries become blurred and unclear.

* Generally suburban environments often have a high cat population density and a lack of suitable marking locations, so that territorial boundaries become blurred and unclear.

* Since many cats are not fed ''ad lib'', their need for food may drive them to investigate and invade the core territories of other cats.

* Since many cats are not fed ''ad lib'', their need for food may drive them to investigate and invade the core territories of other cats.

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==Core Territory==

==Core Territory==

Within the home range, the cat will also have a smaller core territory that is primarily used as a secure site for '''resting, feeding, and self-maintenance behaviour'''. In wild cats this core territory is typically around 100m in diameter and makes up 0.2 to 4% of the total home range<ref>Turner, D.C. & Bateson, P. (1986) The domestic at; the biology of its behaviour. ''Cambridge University Press'', Cambridge. </ref>. This core territory is away from direct view or intrusion by other cats that are not part of the social group.

Within the home range, the cat will also have a smaller core territory that is primarily used as a secure site for '''resting, feeding, and self-maintenance behaviour'''. In wild cats this core territory is typically around 100m in diameter and makes up 0.2 to 4% of the total home range<ref>Turner, D.C. & Bateson, P. (1986) The domestic cat; the biology of its behaviour. ''Cambridge University Press'', Cambridge. </ref>. This core territory is away from direct view or intrusion by other cats that are not part of the social group.

[[Feline Communication Behaviour#Olfactory Communication|Facial and flank marks]] are deposited in core territory where a cat does not anticipate meeting unfamiliar cats. Scent marks are not only a signal to other cats, but also carry meaning for the depositor. In the core territory, cats are more likely to be in a parasympathetic state of arousal, in preparation for activities such as resting, feeding and grooming. Outside the core territory, some degree of sympathetic arousal is always required, as the individual is either vulnerable or engaged in hunting. Facial and flank marks may provide a chemical signal to the cat that favours a parasympathetic state in all individuals that are present, reducing the likelihood of conflict in colonies where several cats share a common core territory.

[[Feline Communication Behaviour#Olfactory Communication|Facial and flank marks]] are deposited in core territory where a cat does not anticipate meeting unfamiliar cats. Scent marks are not only a signal to other cats, but also carry meaning for the depositor. In the core territory, cats are more likely to be in a parasympathetic state of arousal, in preparation for activities such as resting, feeding and grooming. Outside the core territory, some degree of sympathetic arousal is always required, as the individual is either vulnerable or engaged in hunting. Facial and flank marks may provide a chemical signal to the cat that favours a parasympathetic state in all individuals that are present, reducing the likelihood of conflict in colonies where several cats share a common core territory.