Dr. Meow Meow
Prof. Pet Studies (Veterinarian)
Are you a new cat owner or introducing a new cat to your home? Maybe you've had a multi-cat home for some time but are questioning your companions' bonds.
Cats have many unique and interesting behaviors as individuals and as pairs. Bonded cats are a pair that have formed a close relationship.
Like many cat owners, you probably find it adorable when you catch your cats snuggling up or cleaning each other. Do these behaviors mean these two cats are bonded? We have done the research to give you this answer and explain other ways to tell if your cats are bonded.
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Posted on January,28 2024
Cats can become a bonded pair if they are littermates, siblings, parents and offspring, or completely unrelated. Bonded cats spend the majority of their time together. These bonds are most likely to occur at a young age, but there have been instances of adult cats bonding as well.
You will find that some shelters adopt out cats as a bonded pair because once bonded, it may be crucial for the cats' health and happiness to remain together.
A cat's most vulnerable time is when they are asleep. This sensitive state makes them picky about where and who they sleep around. If you find your cats cuddled up when they are napping, this is a huge sign that they are bonded. This shows they are comfortable around one another, and they feel safe in each other's presence.
Cats have scent glands all over their bodies, including their face and paws. When two cats rub against each other, they are exchanging their scent via these glands.
This exchange tells the other cat they are familiar and comfortable with them and the environment. Another sign your cats are exchanging scent is by intertwining their tails.
The act of licking or cleaning one another is called social grooming or allogrooming. This is another sign of affection and bonding.
Bonded cats typically love playtime. During this playtime, you will see them chasing each other around the house, pulling some wrestling moves, and showing their belly.
These positions leave them in a vulnerable place, showing how much they trust the other cat.
