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Domestication involves morphological changes as well as alterations to physiology, emotional systems, and social behavior (Coppinger and Smith 1983). Considering the domestic cat’s ancestral species as well as all other living members of the Felis genus are solitary and territorial individuals, the degree of intra‐ and interspecific social behavior displayed by the cat is extensive. Nevertheless, domestic cats tend to be solitary hunters in settings with sparse food sources. To allow cats to take full advantage of concentrated food niches provided by humans, feline social signaling and the ability to deescalate territorial tensions had to evolve (Bradshaw 2016). The social framework of feline colonies is matrilineal, meaning related females often form stable groups and are intolerant of unrelated females. In addition, females within a group often cooperatively raise kittens through group nursing and sharing of captured prey (Macdonald et al. 2000). Moreover, the basis of all affiliative cat social behavior seems to be maternal care. Many friendly behaviors observed between cats, such as allogrooming and allorubbing, as well as the purr and kneading behavior, are first seen between kittens and their dam (Bradshaw et al. 2012). Physical contact provided through mutual grooming and rubbing probably maintains group cohesion through both olfactory and tactile cues (Bradshaw 2016). The vertically raised tail is one of the most notable body postures for signaling friendly intentions from a distance.

Proximity, particularly with non‐group members, inevitably leads to some degree of conflict, prompting cats to communicate the intent to avoid conflict or willingness to fight by means of ritualized interactions (Bradshaw 2016). Threat behaviors convey a cat’s desire to maintain personal space or access to a resource. A confident cat conveying a threat may stare at and/or move without hesitation toward the intended receiver. The body posture is usually upright and ear pinnae turned to the side. The tail may be low but curved up at the level of the hocks with tail lashing occurring with higher‐arousal encounters. Firm head bunting and urine spraying can be threatening behaviors that incorporate tactile and/or olfactory signals without overt aggression. A confident cat rarely vocalizes during a threat. The cat receiving these signals may respond by moving away, typically with a lowered tail, body posture, and ear pinnae. Body posture becomes increasingly crouched, with the tail tucked under the body, ears flattened, and pupils dilated with elevated distress or fear. A roll onto the back is often observed in extreme situations as well. Although a roll may be seen during some friendly interactions, in this situation the cat is maneuvering to use the claws defensively if necessary (Leyhausen 1979). Vocalizations like hissing and yowling increase with the level of distress and threat perception as well. Although scratching and biting are possible, avoidance and appeasement behaviors are much more common, thereby reducing the risk of injury that may incur during a physical altercation (Dantas et al. 2011). The aggressor is not always confident, and a mix of fear and threat behaviors is often seen in both parties during an agonistic encounter. Aggression may become more prevalent in heavily populated and physically constrained colonies (Knowles et al. 2004).