Cats are facultatively social animals, meaning they have flexible social behavior and can live both solitarily and socially depending on their environment and individual preferences. Domestic cats form social groups especially when resources like food and shelter are plentiful and they often have preferred associates within those groups. They can develop strong bonds with humans and other cats, although much of their sociability depends on early socialization and individual personality. While wildcat ancestors tend to be solitary hunters, domestic cats display a range of social behaviors including living in colonies with related females and interacting peacefully with other cats they know.