What should a cat do if it wants a cat? - briefly
A cat seeking companionship should display social behaviors such as vocalizing, rubbing against other cats, or approaching them with a relaxed posture to signal friendliness and interest.
What should a cat do if it wants a cat? - in detail
When a cat desires the companionship of another cat, it typically relies on a combination of instinctual behaviors and social cues to communicate its intent. Cats are naturally solitary hunters but can form social bonds when necessary. If a cat seeks another feline companion, it may begin by exhibiting behaviors such as increased vocalization, including meowing or purring, to signal its presence and readiness for interaction. Scent marking is another crucial method; cats have scent glands on their faces, paws, and tails, and they may rub against objects or surfaces to leave their scent, effectively broadcasting their availability to other cats.
Body language also plays a significant part. A cat may adopt a relaxed posture, with its tail held high and ears forward, to convey friendliness and openness. Slow blinking is another sign of trust and affection, often used to communicate non-threatening intentions. If the cat is in a shared environment, it may approach another cat cautiously, sniffing and observing their reactions to gauge compatibility. Mutual grooming, or allogrooming, is a strong indicator of social bonding and can be initiated by either party to establish trust and affection.
In situations where cats are not already acquainted, introductions should be gradual and supervised to prevent aggression. The cat seeking companionship may need to spend time in a separate but adjacent space, allowing both cats to become familiar with each other’s scent and presence without direct confrontation. Over time, positive interactions, such as shared play or feeding sessions, can help solidify their relationship. Ultimately, a cat’s ability to successfully attract and bond with another feline depends on its ability to communicate effectively through vocalizations, scent, and body language, as well as the willingness of the other cat to reciprocate.