Cats are not inherently social in the way dogs are. Multi-cat households frequently cause chronic stress unless resources, space and social introductions are carefully managed.
Multi-cat household welfare is a significant and frequently underappreciated problem. The assumption that cats are naturally communal because they seem to tolerate each other overlooks chronic low-level stress that manifests in subtle ways — hiding, reduced play, urinary problems and over-grooming. The indoor environment that most companion cats inhabit cannot replicate the territory management strategies that wild or semi-feral cats use to avoid conflict. Providing adequate resources in multiple locations, creating vertical territory through shelving and cat trees, and managing introductions carefully significantly reduces conflict and improves welfare for all cats in the household. Regular welfare assessment should include observation of social dynamics, not just individual health.