If you are looking to add a cat to your family and cannot decide between a male and a female, don't worry, we are happy to help. While every pet brings additional responsibility, cats are worth the effort. In my experience, you will be happy to welcome a cat into your family.
Is it better to choose a male or a female cat?
Now let's look at which choice is better for you. Male or female?
Friendliness/Care
Anecdotal reports suggest that male cats are friendlier than females. However, in research conducted on 196 cats, it was found that a cat's sex has no influence on its friendliness or caring nature. In fact, whether a cat is friendly or unfriendly depends on how it was treated as a kitten. If the cat is treated lovingly and caringly, it is highly likely to be friendly; if, on the other hand, it is neglected or physically abused, it will develop into a grumpy, selfish cat.
Another factor that determines a cat's friendliness is its breed. Some breeds are naturally friendly, such as Ragdolls and Persians, while other breeds like the Korat or American Wirehair tend to be quiet and suspicious of strangers. So, when you get a cat, make sure to choose a friendly breed and ask about the cat's background. This will help you make an informed decision.
Aggression
It is assumed that female cats are more aggressive than males. Although this has not been scientifically proven, it may be true, as female cats can react aggressively during heat or when defending their kittens. Male cats, on the other hand, are generally calmer. However, studies show that early experiences with humans and genetics are the main factors in a cat's aggression.
Size
Male cats can be slightly larger than females and continue to grow for longer. Although almost all adult cats are 20–25 cm tall, the actual size depends on the breed and nutrition. With high-quality and balanced nutrition, they usually reach their optimal size. However, if they are strays or have not been fed a balanced diet, their growth may be stunted. Another physical difference between male and female cats is the face: a male cat's face is rounder and larger than a female's. This is due to the testosterone levels in the male cat's body. Testosterone makes their cheeks appear fuller and gives them a rounded appearance.
Coat color
Female cats have more interesting and vibrant coat colors than males. Due to their double XX chromosome set, female cats have coats with diverse color combinations and patterns. The tortoiseshell coat is mainly found in female cats. Tortoiseshell coats are characterized by orange-black patches. This pattern only occurs when two XX chromosomes are present, which is only possible in female cats. However, some rare male cats, such as Klinefelter cats, also exhibit this trait due to their rare XXY chromosome set.
Male cats have tabby coats. They can be orange, but are usually solid-colored, as they only possess one X chromosome.
Compatibility
If you already have one or more cats at home, getting a female cat would be a better option, as they get along with other cats more easily. Given sufficient food and other resources, female cats form a colony and share the responsibility of raising kittens and feeding.
Male cats accept females, but are very possessive in defending their territory. They want to dominate and make their boundaries clear to other cats. While neutered cats can exhibit female behaviors, they generally get along well with other cats. If cats grow up together from a young age, their tolerance for one another increases.
Another factor that influences the compatibility of cats is their breed and past experiences. Some breeds are friendly and therefore get along with other cats and people more easily, while others are rather moody and prefer to withdraw and stay quiet. They therefore do not like to share their home and their owner with other pets, let alone other cats.
Pros and Cons
|
Characteristics |
Male cats |
Female cats |
|
Coat color |
Tabby (common); tortoiseshell, calico, or torbie markings are unlikely. |
Tortoiseshell, calico, or torbie (common); tabby (less common) |
|
Size |
Larger, grow longer |
Smaller |
|
Socialization |
Lower likelihood of accepting other cats as adults |
They are more likely to socialize well with other cats. |
|
Affection |
Supposedly more affectionate |
Supposedly less affectionate, but the evidence is not clear. |
|
Aggression |
Reportedly less aggressive |
Reportedly more aggressive, but the evidence is not clear. |
|
Personality factor |
Not determined by sex, but influenced by early socialization, handling, and breed. |
Not determined by sex, but influenced by early socialization, handling, and breed. |
Spayed female vs. neutered male cat
Spayed female cats are cats that have had their ovaries and uterus removed. They do not go into heat like normal cats and therefore exhibit less aggressive and stressed behavior. They also do not meow to attract males.
The same applies to neutered male cats, which are those that have had their testicles removed. For this reason, they urinate less and are also less aggressive. Since their reproductive organs have been removed, they also exhibit less sexual behavior.
Summarizing it all
Male cats are very similar to their female counterparts. Therefore, it is advisable not to focus only on the sex, but also to pay attention to the breed and previous experiences with cats. These two factors significantly determine a cat's character. Choosing a spayed female or a neutered male cat can also make sense, as it allows you to get the desired sex without having to worry much about behavior or character.
