Social or Solitary, a question for cat-lovers.

Question:
 Mostly this is just a question that I'm wanting to know. I've read a lot of books about cats and cat behavior, but there seems to be a conflicting range of opinions whether cats are actually social creatures that are somewhat solitary or completely solitary creatures. Consider this. In the wild, with big cats, lions always travel within their prides in lands that they designate as their own, but cougars often hunt alone, as tigers often do. But this isn't about big cats, this is about housecats. As those that have more-than-one-cat households can tell, there is often some good intentions and good feelings between all the cats, but introducing new cats to the group can cause some tension. With the recent kittens that got rescued behind where I work, I often observed them all working very well together, not being harsh towards each other at all. So, here's the question. Do you believe that cats in groups are social with each other because they're in the group and know that their food supplies won't be cut, but, if they had a chance, would much rather be on their own, or are cats already social creatures that only show aggresion when they believe their offspring or food supply are in danger of being eliminated, as when a new cat is introduced into the group? This is just for entertainment and to see what others opinions are, not a serious discussion or an argument brewery. Please keep things civil.
Answer:
 As per myself, I believe that cats are, indeed, capable of living well with other cats around. I have seen many examples of new cats being introduced into already established groups where, when it's done right, there is very little if any stress. Bear used to have a brother and a sister, and he only regularly had any problems with Emma, but it wasn't anything serious. They enjoyed playing very much. That, and I have also witnessed new cats being forced into already established "wild" colonies who have been accepted without question. So I would consider cats social creatures unless there is stress in the group.
Answer:
 i believe cats are solitary. when forced to live together, strong friendships can evolve. take away food, shelter and all the comforts of being a "pet" though, it's another story. feral cats will group together only to survive. if given the choice, i have no doubt they'd all go their own separate ways and never look back. some cats that form a "bond" for whatever reason may stay together for a time, but only for security/survival. cats are only semi-domestic and opportunists. i love 'em, but they're not a dog. they're still quite wild, and although great pets and capable of affection, they are not loyal. their only concern/instinct is to survive in the end.....