Myth: Male cats are more affectionate towards humans and bond really well with their owners. Female cats are aloof and, because of their mothering instincts, prefer other cats to humans. Reality: This usually comes down to your cat's individual personality.
According to a new study, cats experience the greatest fondness for female owners. Cats attach to your veterinary clients—your female clients in particular—as social partners and it's not just because they want to be fed, according to research in the journal Behavioral Processes.
While a cat's gender doesn't seem to make a difference in terms of affection, Posluns notes that studies of cat personality also suggest it has little influence on the type of relationship with their owner. But in contrast, "an owner's gender has a much more significant impact on the cat-human bond," she says.
The truth is that the sex of the cat really doesn't matter when it comes to choosing the purrfect pet for you. Although there are some behavioral differences between male and female cats as they grow from kittens to adults, a cat's genetics and environment play a bigger role in how well the two of you will bond.
According to Discovery News' report on research on cat and human behavior, the No. 1 reason a cat likes female humans is because women tend to spend more time with cats. And the more attention they get from a person, the more likely they are to give the same amount of loving right back.
The differences between a male or female cat
Usually male cats are much more cuddly, especially after being spayed, while females are more aggressive or defensive by their maternal nature. In fact, females to protect offspring tend to be wary of strangers.
Key Takeaways. Cats tend to favor one person over others even if they were well-socialized as kittens. Cats are expert communicators and gravitate towards people that they communicate well with. Look for communication cues from your cat, such as your cat approaching you in search of food or petting.
Many girl cats love cuddling with their owners and are just as rowdy as the boys. And some males are standoffish and perfect spending time alone. Like humans, cats are individuals with their own personalities, likes, and dislikes.
Your cat might be clingy simply because they aren't getting enough mental and physical stimulation, says Petbucket. Taking breaks to play with your cat and providing interactive toys to help keep them active and entertained throughout the day can help in these cases.
Many pet owners say that female cats are quieter, calmer, and less playful than males. Females also tend to be more independent and happy to spend time alone, so a female cat can be a good choice if you'll be out at work all day and just want to be welcomed with a purr when you get home.
So, how exactly do cats go about choosing their person? Cats prefer to spend time with people who understand their body language and around whom they feel safe. This is often the person who makes the most effort or is frequently involved in day-to-day cat care.
Yes! Cats do love their humans, even if sometimes they have a funny way of showing it. In fact, they form strong attachments to their owners and display their emotions very similar to humans. Just like people, cats can show their love through understanding and concern for others.
Some owners and behaviorists argue that there are distinct differences between male and female cats, but only when the cats are intact. Males, for instance, are typically more aggressive and likely to display dominant behavior before being neutered.
The spayed pet no longer attracts males and their annoying advances and serenades. Spayed cats are also easier to get along with. They tend to be more gentle and affectionate. Spaying keeps your cat healthier.
In a study by Hart and Hart (2013), spayed females and neutered males were ranked on 12 behavioral characteristics. Female cats were ranked as being more fearful and aggressive toward humans and other cats. Male cats were considered to be more playful, social, and affectionate.
While some cats enjoy being kissed, others will not. Some will feel love, while others will not see kissing as a sign of affection. There are better ways than kissing to show a cat affection that they will understand. Cats are mysterious pets with distinct personalities.
Sensitivity threshold: The cat enjoys the human contact at first, but then the repetitiveness of the petting becomes irritating. The cat turns and bites as a way to say, “I've had enough.” An analogy to human behavior can be made. If someone pats you on the back, it feels good.
Cats love a stimulating environment.
Cats need a variety of toys, including those they can play with on their own (for while you're at work) and those that you can use to play with them. And a window perch is a great place for your kitty to nap or watch birds and squirrels.
Sleeping near you
If your kitty likes to sleep near you - or even on you - this is an indication that they have total trust in you.
Studies have shown that cats can recognise their owners, even after they've been apart from them for an extended period of time, but they don't rely on sight to identify us.
If you have a young cat at home and want a second, consider adopting one kitten of the opposite sex, as same-sex cats are much more prone to fight each other for dominance. Your resident cat will still be young enough to recall having fun with her littermates, and the new kitten will be more than happy to oblige.
Territorial Cat Behavior: The Basics
Just like you and me, your cat needs to know that they have an adequate food supply and are safe from life-threatening conflicts in order to feel secure in their daily life. The innate desire for those two conditions is what leads many cats to exhibit territorial behavior.
Both male and female cats are territorial, but males may defend larger territories than females. Cats' territorial aggression is usually directly toward other cats, but it can be directed toward dogs and people, too.