Which cat to choose: an analysis of mate preference, and recomondations for choosing an additional cat.

Abstract

The domestic cat kept in multi-cat households often shows aggression. According to a survey of 90 households almost 50% of the owners have problems with cat-cat aggression in their household. This cat-cat aggression or intercat aggression is a big problem for cat owners. In order to get a better understanding of this problem, an analysis of cat preference was performed and recommendations are given with regards to choosing a new cat in addition to the one you have. The domestic cat may live in social groups if their food resource is concentrated and stable. These social groups can consist of related females and a larger group consists of related females and unrelated males. Studies in shelters and households show that related females are the best combination for a positive quality of the relationship. However, the most important factors predicting a good quality of a relationship are that cats are related, that the difference between the cats’ age is small or that they have grown up together. Social ties established early in life could be an explanation for more affiliative behaviour between cats and for prevention of territorial aggression. Besides these main factors, density, the method of introduction of a new cat and housing conditions are important for a good quality of the relationship between the cats.