Animal social groups are as varied as the animals on our planet. While I do not consider myself capable of understanding the inner workings of an animal social group, I have been a privileged observer to one particular group for the last 14 years.

As an avid cat lover I have had the extreme pleasure of watching my cat "pride" grow from one timid and isolated female to a group of four. This group of cats contains a very diverse range of personalities, and has led to the most interesting experience of my life.

Bringing in the second member of the pride, a young male, 6 months later was somewhat stressful on the timid female. She hissed and chased the newcomer until he finally submitted to her seniority. As time went by he slowly managed to inch his way into a more equal standing in the group of two. Eventually he was on the same level as the alpha female and they shared everything. #2 was, however, still required to back off when she presented herself to me.

Today he is a mild mannered and easy going member of the pride. He makes no waves and accepts any and all changes easily. He is not pushy or demanding except when he wants his share of the attention. Then, he makes his presence know with a very light and tiny tap on my arm.

The pride maintained it's level of respect for one another for the next 9 years until the arrival of the third member, an orphan baby. He caused quite a disruption in the pecking order of this tiny pride and I had the opportunity to watch nature work at her finest. The orphan had no social skills for interacting with others of his kind. He was a happy, friendly and energetic youngster that knew no boundaries.

Consequently, he spent his first few months within the pride getting his face smacked, his feelings hurt and his self esteem shattered. The matriarch had no use for or interest in the tiny, unruly and socially inept newcomer. She not only put him in his place, which was at the bottom of the pecking order, she saw to it he stayed there.

As this newcomer grew he began to figure out who was actually in charge and spent all his efforts in winning me over. I watched him terrorize the senior female for the next 4 years. He never learn to give her the respect she demanded despite being put in his place on a daily basis. My sense is since he had no siblings to grow up with, he learned none of the required skills needed to interact with like kind.

An interesting side note, #3 seemed to relish

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about A look at animal social groups?
We want to hear your view. Write now!