Many pet parents need to know if adopting male vs female cats makes any difference. For example, is a male cat friendlier, and is a female cat likely to fight with other felines in the house? Gender may impact overall behavior, but the differences between males and females are evident if your cat isn't neutered. Subtle gender differences for most cat breeds are size, health, and personality.
Male vs Female Cats
You may be able to eliminate unwanted behavior if you neuter your feline buddy. The main differences between male and female cats are noticeable when felines reach sexual maturity. For example, frequently, intact male cats are aggressive towards other felines. When a vet removes a female cat's reproductive organs, the procedure is known as a spay. This surgery is the common term for both female cats and dogs.
Characteristics of Unaltered Males
Create a backyard catio or safe sanctuary for your male cat as a roving tom is typically bad news. There are many benefits to neutering a male cat.
- Males roam far from home looking for female cats.
- An intact cat may spray urine all-around his territory.
- Pet parents may notice aggression, and males fight with other males!
Characteristics of Unaltered Females
Females in heat are known to be extremely vocal! Unneutered females also enjoy scent marking on objects.
- There is a risk of frequent pregnancies.
- If your cat is in heat, the feline is continuously agitated.
- Females call out to male felines all day long.
Neutered Males Versus Spayed Females
The gender differences are subtle after a cat is spayed or neutered. Males may appear affectionate, and females display more fearful behavior. The traits appear across all cat breeds.
Gender Differences Are Subtle With Most Cat Breeds
There are a few general differences between altered males and females. A cat's gender impacts coat color, and most calico cats are female! Otherwise, there are pros and cons to adopting or buying a male versus a female. Pet parents need to do some research, but either sex is terrific to adopt if the cat is neutered. There is no cost difference between a male versus female cat. Some cat breeds are more expensive than others.
Size and Appearance
One of the most significant differences is appearance. The coat color may be affected by a cat's sex. Breeds dictate the weight of males and females, and some cats are giant like the Maine coon.
- There is not much difference as far as weight, but males may weigh a little more.
- Ginger cats are mostly male, and there are more calico females.
- Orange tortoiseshell cats are almost always female.
Personality
Temperament can vary. Males are laid back, and females are incredibly independent. With that in mind, the cat breed also impacts the feline's personality. For example, Bengal cats are not known as affectionate kitties. Females may seem more nurturing, but this trait is also the case before a cat is spayed and breed dependent.
- Males are more affectionate.
- Females are shy and take longer to warm up to the family.
- Females may cuddle with a male cat, but you rarely see two females cuddling.
- Females rule the family pack.
Health
Spayed and neutered cats are generally healthy. The cat's breed may influence overall medical issues. For example, the Maine coon cat breed may develop heart issues, and a reputable breeder screens for cardiac diseases.
- Males are known to have urinary tract infections (UTI's).
- Females may develop urinary cysts and mammary tumors.
Lifespan
Spaying and neutering increase the life expectancy of your cats. The oldest cat lived until he was 30 years, but 15 years is the average lifespan for male and female felines. The cat's breed influences the lifespan more than gender.
A Vet May Answer Questions
If there are any questions about whether a male or female is a better fit, a vet helps answer questions. When to spay or neuter a kitten is a question pet parents need to address with a vet. A cat owner's lifestyle may dictate the gender or breed, and research needs to be done before adopting or buying a kitten.
Key Differences Between Male and Female Cats
There are some subtle differences between a neutered male and a spayed female cat. The biggest difference between gender is when a kitty reaches sexual maturity. Before a cat's spay, the female feline is extraordinarily vocal, and tomcats are typically aggressive before a male is neutered. Pet parents need to research and ask the vet which sex and breed is a good fit before making a decision.
