The domestic cat is basically the same asocial animal, although through domestic breeding we have probably selected for more sociable behavior. This may sound strange, but one of the reasons that cats make ideal pets for situations in which they must be left alone for much of the day is that they are not a social species. A social animal like a dog might shoe behavior signs of isolation, while a cat is relatively content without other animals around. The asocial nature of cats is also why they seem indifferent, if not insubordinate, to their owners. Dogs react to people more or less as they would toward another member of a pack.
Dogs crave social interaction and love affection and attention.
People often make the mistake of feeling that a single cat, if it is home alone much of the time, will be lonely, and therefore they feel obligated to find a companion. As many cat owners will testify, this often makes things worse rather than better for the resident cat. The resident cat may reject the stranger, or the cats may tolerate each other for a few months then start getting along miserably. Worse yet, the resident cat may start urine spraying when a new one is brought in because of the extra agitation and emotional upset. Cat Breeds Dog Breeds Return to homepage Columbia Animal Hospital Hawthorne Professional Park 10788 Hickory Ridge Rd.