Why do feral cats live in colonies?

The Felidae or cat family are solitary predators and (with the exception of lions) do not live in socially structured groups. ... However, in feral cat colonies, kittens may often be nursed (suckled) by more than one lactating queen, and this in itself may help in the formation of social bonds at a young age. read more

Feral cats often live in colonies; The groups of feral cats that live collectively in one territory, often near food sources and shelter. Because feral cats are awkward to domesticate and because they can live long lives if they have sources for food and shelter, caring for the colony is a humane, merciful and effectual way to provide for these cats. read more

A cat colony is a population (or "clowder") of feral domestic cats (not to be confused with wild cats). Members of a feral cat colony can include cats that have strayed after living with human caretakers as well as their offspring, which have had little human contact or none at all. read more

Feral cats (cats which live without help from man) can and will form small colonies based around available food sources. This does not inevitably happen, and some will live singly, but it is not uncommon for small groups of co-operating females and kittens (matrilinear colonies) to develop. read more