It is sometimes suggested that cats are not naturally sociable animals, which may come as a surprise to many cat owners! Cats hunt on their own and prefer to defend themselves individually and so they are sometimes falsely accused of being loners. However, in a wild setting, cats tend to form organised hierarchies and there is clear evidence of social behaviours in their relationships with humans and other cats in a domestic setting.
It is important to remember, however, that cats are naturally expert hunters. If your cat feels threatened and cornered, they may lash out with their claws or deliver a more intentional bite. In particular, nursing cats should be treated with great respect and given plenty of space as the desire to protect their kittens can make a previously mellow cat react with much greater aggression.