This temperament pair adresses a cat's interest in companionship and physical contact with others.   Specific choice of companion(s) will be influenced by many factors, including prior experience, opportunity, and compatibility.   Exposure to other species during the "socialization" period of 2 to 7 weeks of age facilitates later interaction but does not guarantee that an individual cat will be interested in social interaction with any of them.   Just as some people enjoy contact with many people, and others prefer to be alone, some cats seem to seek out social interaction and others barely tolerate it.

The social cat is interested in interaction with those around her.   He or she will often initiate contact especially if he or she is also a bold kitty.   Social cats choose to share a space even when there is plenty of room to distance themselves from social interaction.   In multiple cat households the social cat will likely have a buddy or two.   He or she may even get chummy with the dog.   Social cats are more likely to sleep with companious and engage in mutual grooming behavior.   They like interactive play.   Chase and wrestling games are favorites.   The social cat will tend to follow a human companion to the bathroom and kitchen.   He or she will often be found sleeping or sitting in the same room with you.   He will take an interest in what ever you are doing, watching closely to make sure you are doing it right or may actually try to participate.   Social cats are more likely to play 'fetch-and-throw' games with their owners. (i.e. interactive play)   Social cats seem to enjoy physical contact such as petting, lapsitting, bunting (face rubbing and head butting).

  The aloof cat, on the other hand, likes his or her privacy.   Comfortable social distances are probably greater than those of a social cat.   The aloof cat tends to play alone, inventing games to amuse himself or to practice his skills.   Aloof cats may resent the intrusion of others (people or cats) and walk away from a game he was quite enjoying up until then.   In multiple cat homes the aloof cat seeks privacy over companionship.   The aloof cat may seem like a boarder in your home, showing up for meals and a place to sleep, but otherwise leading his or her own independent life.   Having a limited desire for interaction, the aloof cat may become attached to a specific individual and be a one person cat.   When in need of intellectual stimulation, the aloof cat may enjoy sharing the space with you and show interest in what you are doing, but not actually participate.   Aloof cats are less comfortable with physical contact.   A bit of head scratching in brief polite encounters may be ok, but full body stroking may be seen as forward and rude.   Too much physical contact may be over stimulating for an aloof cat.

Sociability is an important trait when you want to have frequent affectionate interaction with your cat.   If you want a lap cat you need to make sure you find a cat who enjoys physical social interaction.   If you are satisfied with a more intellectual relationship based primarily on mutual respect and non-interference, an aloof cat may fill the bill.   When looking for clues that will indicate the likely temperament type of new feline acquaintance, all aspects of temperament will influence what behaviors you will observe.   In order to assess sociability you must have an opportunity to observe the cat in an environment where he or she feels comfortable and secure.