If you are looking to add a feline member to your family and can not decide if a male cat would be better or female, then don't worry; we've got you covered. Though any pet addition to your family will come with its added responsibilities, cats are worth all the trouble you will have to take in adopting one. In fact, in my experience, you will be glad to add a cat to your family.
Is it better to get a male or female cat?
Now let's see what the better choice for you is. Male Cat or Female Cat?
Friendliness/ Care
According to anecdotal data, male cats are thought to be more friendly than female cats. However, in research done on 196 cats, it was revealed that the gender of a cat does not affect its friendliness or caring nature. In fact, what actually makes a cat friendly or unfriendly is how she was taken care of when she was little. If the cat is handled with care and love, then she is most likely to be friendly, but if she is ignored or physically abused, then she will become a grumpy, selfish cat.
Another factor that determines a cat's friendliness is its breed. Some breeds are naturally friendly like Ragdoll and Persians while other breeds like Korat or American Wirehair, are quiet and not very friendly around strangers. So, when getting a cat make sure you choose a friendly breed and ask for the cat's history. This will help you make an informed decision.
Aggression
Female cats are thought to be more aggressive than male cats. Though this is not proven by research it can be true as female cats can behave aggressively when experiencing heat or become defensive of their kittens. While male cats are better at keeping their cool. Whereas research says that early handling and genetics are the main factors that determine the aggressiveness in a cat.
Size
Male cats can be slightly bigger than female cats and grow for a longer time. Though almost all fully grown cats are 8-10 inches, the actual size depends upon the breed of the cat or the kind of food they are fed. If they get a good quality balanced diet, then they tend to grow to their optimal height. But if they are stray cats or weren't given a balanced diet, then the cat might have stunted growth. Another physical difference between male and female cats is that the face of a he-cat is round and bigger than that of a female cat; it is because of the testosterone running in its system. Testosterone in male cats makes their cheeks fill up, giving them a chubby look.
Fur color
Female cats have more interesting and bright coat/fur colors than male cats. It is because of their double XX chromosomal pattern that female cats have coats with multi-colored combinations with different patterns. The tortoiseshell coat is mainly found in female cats. Tortoiseshell coats have orange and black patchwork on them. This pattern only forms when two XX chromosomes are together, which is only possible in female cats. However, some rare male cats like Klinefelter also portray this feature due to their rare XXY chromosomal pattern.
Male cats have a tabby patterned coat. They can be orange but it is mostly in one shade as they have only one X chromosome.
Compatibility
If you already have one or more cats in your home already then adding a female cat would be a better position as they can get along with other cats more easily. If the food and resources are abundant then the female cats will form a colony and share their responsibilities of taking care of the kittens and food, etc.
Male cats can accept female cats but they are very possessive of their territory. They like to rule around and clearly tell about their boundaries to other fellow cats. Though spayed cats can have female cat characteristics they do get well along with other cats. Also, if raised from a very young age then the cat's acceptability towards each other increases.
Another factor that affects the compatibility of cats is their breed and past experiences. Some breeds are friendly so get along with other cats and humans more easily while others have a moody nature and like to stay alone and quiet therefore they do not like sharing their place and owner with other pets, let alone cats.
Pros and Cons
|
Characteristics |
Male Cats |
Female Cats |
|
Coat Color |
Tabby (common), unlikely to have tortoiseshell, calico, or torbie |
Tortoiseshell, calico, or torbie (common), tabby (less common) |
|
Size |
Larger, continue growing longer |
Smaller |
|
Socialization |
Less likely to accept other cats as adults |
More likely to socialize well with other cats |
|
Affection |
Reportedly more affectionate |
Reportedly less affectionate, but evidence is inconclusive |
|
Aggression |
Reportedly less aggressive |
Reportedly more aggressive, but the evidence is inconclusive |
|
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 those cats whose ovaries and uterus are removed. They do not go into heat as normal cats and therefore show less aggressive and stressed behaviour. They also do not yowl to attract male cats.
The same as neutered male cats are those feline fellows whose testicles are removed. Due to this reason, they urinate less, also are less aggressive. As their sexual organ is removed so they portray less sexual behavior too.
Putting it all together
Well, male cats are almost similar to their female partners. Therefore, instead of focusing on gender, it is better to look at the breed and past experiences of adopting a cat. These are the main two factors that determine the personality of a cat. Also, going for the spayed female cat or neutered male cat can be a good idea as you can get the cat's gender of your choice without worrying much about their behavior or characteristics.