The patterns of lynx Lynx lynx social behaviour in family groups were obser
ved in captivity during the different stages of kittens' ontogenesis. The f
amily group consisted of an adult female and the kittens. An adult male was
also present during the rut and the "postmating period". Playful contacts
and allogrooming predominated in the interactions. When the cubs became old
er the percentage of playful contacts among sibs decreased significantly (f
rom 96.8% to 52.6%) as well as between them and their mothers (from 95.1% t
o 35.9%). By contrast the percentage of allogrooming and identifying contac
ts increased. The amount of aggressive contacts between sibs attained its m
aximum at 1.5-2 months of age but it was small (1.2%). Adult males were mor
e hard than females in their relations with the youngs during the rut. The
percentage of aggressive contacts between them was 31.6%. Nevertheless they
were mainly soft aggressive contacts (83%) provoked by the young lynx. It
is improbable that aggressive contacts are the main reason for the disinteg
ration of litters in the lynx. Shortage of food seems to be a more likely c
ause.