I have noticed that cats in groups are fairly evenly spaced compared to people. This is not hugely significant but interesting. It struck me that cats standing around in sanctuaries often keep a bit of space between themselves. You would never find that with people unless they were told to.
For me, the first reason is because the cat does not engage in conversation with a fellow cat nearby. Adult cats don’t meow at each cat. A cat doesn’t feel uncomfortable when near another cat while doing nothing. Aslo cats in groups still like to retain some personal space because they still have some territorial urges and are, at heart, solitary animals (some experts believe the cat is no longer territorial). Whereas the human is neither solitary nor territorial (well, you might think they are sometimes).
The domestic cat has become sociable because circumstances have forced that upon the cat – living in multi-cat homes for example – but the human needs to be sociable. A lot of the bunched spacing between people in groups is because they are talking to each other, forming sub-groups within the overall group. This doesn’t happen with cats. Although cats do groom each other and lie next to each other on occasion.
The cat’s desire for personal space comes through in various ways in the home. It depends on the cat, of course, but the majority of cats are often reluctant to be cuddled, crowded or held for too long. They seem to tolerate these things rather than enjoy it. They like their space. A cat likes our company but in a manner that suits them. This is not to say that cats don’t get close to us sometimes (e.g. on the lap). There is just a brake on it, which might be why some people say the cat is aloof. In this instance it is a cat retaining a tiny vestige of his territorial character.
Photo credits from the top going south! VG (Valley Girl – valleygirl_tka), Barbara Doduk, eddiehosa, Sai89AJ, Toshihiro Oimatsu, MAClarke21, Herry Lawford.
Michael, parts of Mumbai are on par with the best of “First World Country’s”. Many buildings have swimming pools in the plush areas. Underground parking is common as is “Lift Parking” in most upscale buildings which incles my locality, a very upscale locality of Mumbai. Our building is a 38 year old building having a large garden and hence modern innovations like “Underground Parking” or “Lift Parking” is not possible.In future when they demolish this building it might change-over into a “Swimming pool cum “lift Parking,underground parking “, Only tragedy, i might not be able to afford to live in the locality as the maintenance charges would “Sky-rocket”. Mumbai is becoming a bit like London where living in the city center is beyond the reach of the average “Middle-Class Mumbaikar”.At present i follow the late Michael.Jacksons philosophy, quote, “Earn a millionaires income but live like a billionaire” !As a bachelor i don’t plan too much into the future and till date happy with my pets and other activities including interacting with bloggers from “P.O.C”. Hope i have given you a 21st century image of Mumbai city.
Pleased you are w 2 wheeler. Do any apartment blocks have underground parking?!
Michael, Mumbai is saturated with cars and motorcycles.Motorcycles are cheap and more convenient for city travel, especially if single.”Parking” is a major headache in Mumbai and thats where motorcycles score over cars.Our building has one of the highest car and motorcycle densities with parking being a problem.As for me, have always been a “2-wheeler” commuter, either a cycle or a motorcycle.
Nice pic. I suspect that this is a group of middle ranking ferals. They prefer to be close to one another.