Open AccessReview
Conspecific and Human Sociality in the Domestic Cat: Consideration of Proximate Mechanisms, Human Selection and Implications for Cat Welfare
by
1,2
1
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, 4 Battersea Park Rd, Nine Elms, London SW8 4AA, UK
2
Brackenhurst Campus, School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottinghamshire NG25 0QF, UK
Academic Editors: Atsuko Saito, Saho Takagi and Minori Arahori
Received: 7 December 2021
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Revised: 21 January 2022
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Accepted: 24 January 2022
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Published: 25 January 2022
Simple Summary
The domestic cat is the only species within the felis genus to have transitioned from a wild, solitary species to one of the most popular human-companion animals globally. In stark contrast to their closest wild ancestors, the domestic cat displays an impressive capacity to cohabit successfully with both humans and other cats. However, at an individual level, domestic cats demonstrate substantial variability in their sociability towards both species. Such variability may be influenced by a range of factors including their early life experiences, genetic selection, and individual cat and human characteristics, in addition to various factors associated with their social and physical environment. The impact of these factors may have important implications regarding a cat’s social relationships, their adaptability to various social contexts, and, ultimately, their wellbeing. In line with modern pet-keeping practices, domestic cats may often be exposed to lifestyles which present a range of complex social and environmental challenges, although it is unclear how much cats have been selected by humans for traits that support adaptability to such lifestyles. This review aims to summarise what is currently known about the various factors that may influence domestic cats’ sociality and sociability towards both humans and cats, with a predominant focus on populations managed by humans in confined environments. Current limitations, knowledge gaps, and implications for cat wellbeing are also discussed.