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Should You Get a Male or Female Cat?

white and orange cat sitting on brown wooden table

Prospective cat owners often find themselves hung up on whether a male or female cat is the right choice. Examining the differences that each cat gender exhibits can be a useful way to inform your final decision.

Let’s begin with the behavioural differences of both genders.

Male and Female Cat Behaviours

Male and female cats tend to display standoffish behaviour in different ways. Female cats are known to be more passive-aggressive, while males can be more physically aggressive. A male cat is more likely to act physically aggressive toward other animals, while female cats enjoy aspects of companionship like cuddles, on their terms.

One similar behaviour that male and female cats share is their combative response to a strange cat entering their territory. If your cat is spending most or all of its time indoors, this likely won’t become a problem.

Does Neutering Make a Difference? The Role of Hormones

white and brown long fur cat

You’ll find that behavioural differences between male and female cats are most prevalent when both genders aren’t neutered or spayed. When male and female cats aren’t neutered or spayed, their sex drives will influence how they act.

An example of a cat’s sex drive influencing its behaviour can include a male cat spraying to mark its territory and howling for females.¹ Unspayed female cats howl, as well, but at a different time. A female cat will howl during their heat phase, which indicates a period in which they’re receptive to mating.²

Anatomy and Health

Health is always a significant consideration for possible cat owners. A cat with good health translates to a long companionship that’s not weighed down by medications, surgeries, or other baggage that can come with medical issues.

Spaying a female cat is known to benefit the animal’s overall health, as the risk of mammary gland tumors and ovarian and uterine cancer is drastically reduced.³

The Biggest Deciding Factor

The person and the individual cat are the biggest factors to influence whether adopting a male or female cat is the right decision.

The personalities of cats can vary widely. A person with a predisposition toward liking female cats might meet a male cat that’s more standoffish and end up selecting a friendly male cat. Seeking out more information about a cat’s background can serve as an excellent way to learn about that cat’s personality and behaviour.

Whether you select a male or female cat, both genders can benefit from a cat door. Australia Pet Doors manufactures cat doors for male and female cats of all sizes. Feel free to browse our site and contact us at +61-437-644-330 if you have any questions regarding product selection.

We look forward to hearing from you.

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