Male and female cats, though indistinguishable at a glance, can be quite different.Asides from their appearances, with their features varying slightly, their behaviors can be very different. Male cats are known for being aggressive, while female cats are known to be affectionate.However, it is not all black and white. The intensity of the behavior of your feline friend can depend on a number of factors such as breed and age, the biggest one being whether it has been spayed or not, and the age at which this has been done. A cat’s mannerisms can change drastically after it has been neutered, with males becoming calmer and females becoming colder. However, it is important to remember that like humans, each cat has a different personality and its behavior cannot be predicted just because of its sex.If you enjoyed this article, do check out our other pages on the difference between lynx and bobcat and the difference between ox and bull.Difference Between Male And Female Cat FacesThough the most accurate way to determine the sex of a cat is by examining its genitals, this may not always be quite easy to do. When trying to tell if a stray cat or any cat from afar is a male or female, there are a few characteristics in their appearance which can help tell them apart.The face of a male cat tends to be heavier, with more pronounced jowls. They have broader foreheads, and their muzzles are wider with larger nose wings. They also have more defined whisker pads. The intensity of these features depends on the stage at which the animals were neutered. If done at an early age, the neutered male will have softer features than those that were neutered later in life.Females can be identified by their softer, more slender faces. They are more narrow and pointed at the chin. Their muzzles are more slender as well, with the whisker pads being less pronounced. Facial features must be taken with a grain of salt when it comes to determining the sex of the cat, as the age of neutering plays a heavy role in their appearance.Some cats can be instantly recognized by their coat color or pattern. For example, typically cats of the tortoiseshell (black and orange) and calico (black, white, or orange) breeds are female. In some breeds such as the British shorthair, the male cat is much smaller than the female, making size an identifiable factor too.Pros and Cons of Male and Female CatsThere are certain behavioral patterns that male and female cats have, which may be troublesome at times. Intact males tend to be very territorial and aggressive and have a knack for following their reproductive drive, which can get them into trouble. Before neutering, they tend to spray urine everywhere in an attempt to mark their territory. However, once they are neutered, they became calm, loving, and much more easy to get along with.On the other hand, female cats can be very loud and aggressive when in heat. They are more likely to scratch if held against their wishes. They are as a fact more comfortable with affection before being neutered, after which they may become a bit distant.When it comes to owning many cats, neutered male cats are more likely to have a friendlier personality. They will cuddle together, play, and enjoy the company of their owners. Female cats however can be possessive and do not like to share. They prefer being solo, unless they come across kittens, when they become affectionate, as a sign of their maternal instincts coming through.Difference In BehaviorBoth male and female cats could have quite different behaviors, depending on whether they have been spayed or not.In general, male cats have a tendency to be more aggressive and have a very strong mating drive. They are more prone to getting into fights and like to roam around rather than being kept indoors. Females, on the other hand, tend to be more gentle and express their hormones by being quite affectionate. They are more open to being handled and cuddled. Though they can be as eager to mate as male cats, they are less aggressive.Unspayed male cats are the most aggressive out of the lot and will go through any means in order to fuel their mating drive. Male cats tend to become agitated if any females in heat are around, due to their strong urges to reproduce. They will also resist being shut in outdoors, and prefer to roam around outside, marking their territory and getting into fights with other tomcats.Neutered males become significantly calmer, becoming more playful and open to cuddling with their parents as well as other cats in the family. They will feel less need to mark or defend their territory and will spend more time indoors with their owners. They will also become closer to other male cats, and will often have one close feline friend.Females on the other hand express themselves by purring softly, exposing their bellies, and wanting to cuddle when they are unspayed. They are typically quite vocal and will purr loudly in order to attract males. Though not as aggressive as males, they are still likely to be territorial and will chase off rival females if they come too close. They are very open to being handled or cuddled at this stage.Spayed females are still affectionate, however significantly less so. They will still cuddle with male cats and their humans, though they may not want to be handled as much as before. Female cats will also become quieter, as they no longer go into heat. They are more solitary than spayed toms and do not form close friendships with other cats easily. Female cats do remain maternal after being spayed, regardless of whether they have birthed a litter or not. Their maternal instincts make them affectionate towards kittens, and wary of any strangers and animals.Which gender should you get?Though the behavior of both sexes can be drastically different, there is no clear answer to which one you should adopt. Each feline has its own personality and will bond with its owner differently, so regardless of gender, choose the cat which you think is right for you, with their sex being only one of the factors. The others being breed, hair length, and adaptability to your household. There are certain needs and behavioral traits which males and females will show differently, though these can easily be taken care of. For cat parents, adopting pets based on their gender alone does not guarantee getting a loving, well-behaved pet, the amount of time spent with them and care given matters much more. Veterinary doctors also advise neutering your pets as soon as possible, to avoid any behavior or health problems, and make your life as a cat owner easier.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for the difference between male and female cats then why not take a look at the difference between hay and straw, or Persian cat facts.
Male and female cats, though indistinguishable at a glance, can be quite different.
