There are many factors future cat parents might consider when choosing their pets, such as breed, coat color, or tendency to health issues.
Gender might not be the first thing most cat owners will find crucial; However, this might be an important asset for some of them.
Are there really important differences between male and female cats? Well, yes, they are. Males and females are different in terms of appearance, behavior, size, etc.
Let’s find out more about these contrasts, and what are some pros and cons for both genders. Maybe this will help you to choose which gender would be a better idea for you!
Are Males Really More Affectionate?
You might have heard that male cats are far more affectionate than females.
Viera East Veterinary Center explains how male cats tend to be more affectionate, with both their humans, and other cats. They are also more likely to form strong bonds with other pets in the same household.
Well, this might be true, but there are also situations where female cats show their affection, especially in a physical way.
This happens when they’re in heat; They want to receive more cuddles from you during this period, and they usually meow and rub against everything.
Of course, the level of affection will also depend on each cat’s socialization and environment.
See Also: 10 Reasons Why Is Your Male Cat Suddenly So Affectionate
Who’s The Mischievous One?
Male cats are more independent than females.
They also adore playing and are usually more mischievous than their female counterparts.
Males are also more likely to make a mess inside your home, especially if they don’t have access to the outdoors.
Which One Shows More Pronounced Signs Of Sexual Maturity?
You’ll easily notice your cat has reached sexual maturity – no matter if you have a male or a female.
Males tend to run away from home to find a female to mate with. Furthermore, most of them will spray urine all over your house; This is their way of territory marking.
On the other hand, females tend to be very vocal, become more affectionate and restless, and try to let males in their vicinity know they’re in heat.
So, you might be asking yourself: Will it be easier for me to deal with a male who will wander, or a loud female, who could mate with several males during her heat?
Luckily, there’s a way to significantly calm unwanted behaviors in cats of both genders; By spaying or neutering them.
Lisa Howe [1] suggests how spaying and neutering can typically be safely performed in cats at any age after 6-8 weeks of age.
Interesting Read: When Is It Too Late To Spay A Cat?
Who’s The More Territorial One?
Both males and females can be territorial. But, males are more likely to get along with other cats in the household, since they are more friendly and sociable.
While females prefer to be alone, males prefer to play with others.
My advice would be that a female cat is a better idea for people who only want to have one cat. If you want to enjoy a multiple-pet household, then a male would make a nicer fit for you!
Are Males More Aggressive Than Females?
Males are expected to show aggressive behavior more often than females. But, this is really more about hormones.
An intact male will roam around, and get into a fight with other males to get the female cat’s attention. Once they are neutered, males are far less likely to show aggression.
But, females might also show aggression, especially if they’re protecting their kittens.
Interesting Read: Do Male Cats Kill Kittens, Or Is This Just A Myth?
Who’s Expected To Live Longer?
A cat’s lifespan will depend on many factors, such as the breed, genetic predisposition, the cat’s lifestyle and environment, diseases and injuries, etc.
But, the cat’s life expectancy might also depend on the gender.
As Science Focus explains, female cats are likely to live longer than males.
Dan O’Neill and his associates [2] conducted a study whose results showed how female cats tend to live about two years longer than males on average.
Of course, there are some factors we cannot influence, and, in many cases, males will reach an advanced age, too.
A Big Boy Or A Smaller Girl?
A cat’s size could also be a reason for some cat parents to choose a male or a female cat.
In general, just like with all other animals, males are expected to be heavier and larger than females, especially if they haven’t been neutered before they reached their full maturity.
Also, male cats usually have more rounded heads and larger cheeks than females.
Final Verdict
As you could have seen, there are some differences between male and female cats. Of course, the decision will ultimately depend on your lifestyle and your preferences for your future pet.
Gender doesn’t even have to be a factor that strictly determines your cat’s behavior and temperament. This also has a lot to do with its socialization and the way it’s treated from birth. Also, sterilized cats are much different from intact ones!
In the end, I’m sure both a female and a male cat will bring a lot of happiness and fun to your home and your life.
And, who knows – maybe you eventually decide to have both genders!
References:
[1] Howe LM. Current perspectives on the optimal age to spay/castrate dogs and cats. Vet Med (Auckl). 2015 May 8;6:171-180. DOI, Retrieved May 23, 2023. [2] O’Neill DG, Church DB, McGreevy PD, Thomson PC, Brodbelt DC. Longevity and mortality of cats attending primary care veterinary practices in England. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. 2015;17(2):125-133. DOI, Retrieved May 23, 2023.Read Next: Do Female Cats Fight With Male Cats?
