Sociable cats? We all know Exhibit A here!
Why do lions live in prides?
Some of the best minds on the planet are trying to figure it out (the cats aren’t talking).
Here is one explanation that, although indirect, seems to have some traction among researchers, from what I’ve read while writing the big-cat eBooks.
Other cats, large and small, just aren’t that sociable as adults.
They tend to follow the path described in this video of growing wild tiger cubs:
At maturity, females establish territories not too far from Mom’s, if prey is abundant in the area; most male cats, including critters as small as the black-footed cat leave the area.
It can be hard on these inexperienced young he-cats, but they stand to gain a bigger territory that overlaps with those of several females.
Sometimes, to help them through the transition, the young male cats will form a temporary coalition.
Zoos sometimes take advantage of this to help captive animals handle stress.
Domestic cats, on the other hand, need people. It’s born with them.
Kittens from the most human-avoiding feral cat, if socialized early enough, become loving pets.
And then there’s this incredible video from Japan’s Cat Island:
So, what about Family Canidae? Do all of them run in packs?
Featured image: slowmotiongli/Shutterstock
Flight To Wonder 