While males live solitary lives prowling their territories, female cats have strong and enduring maternal instincts. They naturally live together when resources allow (5). As a group, they care for kittens in their colonies and are likely to stay by your side when you are unwell (6).
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. Female cats (even neutered ones) can be quite maternal.
Choosing a gender
Males, or toms, can be friendlier than females. Intact male cats "spray" to mark their territory and “howl” for females (this is usually not a problem if you get him neutered). Female cats tend to be more reserved than males but are far less likely to spray.
Male cats tend to be more social and affectionate with both humans and other cats. They commonly form strong bonds with other cats in the home, even when they are not from the same litter. Females, on the other hand, are often more standoffish. If you are looking for a cuddle bug, adopting a male may be your best bet.
A comprehensive poll of feline veterinary practitioners several years ago actually rated male cats as more affectionate than female cats. “Male cats are often more friendly than female cats,” says Susan Saffron, author of several books on pets and founder of the National Association of Pet Rescue Professionals.
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.
Mummy's boy vs ice queens. 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.
If you have a busy schedule, are an inexperienced pet owner, or have young children, consider adopting an adult cat over 1 year of age. Young cats require more supervision, training, and visits to the veterinarian.
Cats enjoy being around people who are willing and able to meet their needs. They fall in love with people who spend enough time with them to understand what they're trying to get across and then use that information to make that cat a happy feline.
Pairs are Happier
Despite their independent natures, cats are social creatures that need companionship to thrive. Left alone, a cat can develop behavioral problems, and in some cases, even show signs of depression. Cats in bonded pairs, on the other hand, are more likely to be better adjusted.
"In response, the cats approach female owners more frequently, and initiate contact more frequently (such as jumping on laps) than they do with male owners," co-author Manuela Wedl of the University of Vienna told Discovery News, adding that "female owners have more intense relationships with their cats than do male ...
Female vs male cat: pet cleanliness. Female cats are cleaner than male cats. They lick their fur more often and spend a lot of time washing. This is due to the fact that it is the female cats that go hunting, and pungent odors can frighten off prey. Male vs female cat have a stronger odor.
Prevents Diseases
Spaying your female cat before her first estrous cycle (going into "heat" or being able to breed) greatly reduces her risk of cervical cancer and eliminates her risk for ovarian cancer.
You will notice more distinct differences in male and female cats or dogs if they have not been spayed or neutered. Females are generally moodier. Males are often more affectionate. Males may be more aggressive as well but it isn't true of all breeds.
Compared to non-pet owners, other researchers discovered those with furry friends reported less anxiety. Studies have also found cats (and animals in general) beneficial in reducing anxiety among children with autism and students . Cats' soothing influence may stem from a physiological effect, states Whittenburg.
Sleeping with you provides them with security and an extra defense if a predator should launch a nighttime attack. They sleep with you because they trust you, they know you're not a danger and you can also provide an extra layer of defense if needed.
In addition to being petted, do cats like to be held? Sometimes. Most cats love to snuggle, and they're typically responsive to being held if you introduce them to it gradually. The best way to approach your cat for a hug is to start with a few soft pets, then carefully pick them up.
To show affection
Licking is not only a grooming mechanism but also a way cats show that they love you. Your cat is creating a social bond by licking you, other cats, or pets. This sign of affection may stem from kittenhood when your cat's mother licked them to groom them and show care and affection.
By about two years of age, a cat's personality is fully developed, and it's easier to be sure what you're getting.
Bringing home an adult cat has its advantages. You won't have to give it as much constant attention as a kitten, for one thing. And the cat will be toilet trained (usually!) If your lifestyle means that there's usually nobody in the house during the day, an adult cat is a good option.
As a general rule, if your child is under five years old, it's best to adopt a cat that's over two years old. Many people have a warm and fuzzy image of a kitten and a child growing up together, but there are a few things you need to consider before adopting a kitten (less than 1 year old) if you have a young child.
Females also seem to revert to a more relaxed demeanor, which might not seem as noticeable because they tend not to show much aggression to begin with. However, females are often stereotyped as being more standoffish and having “cattitude.” Much of this likely has more to do with breed than gender, however.
Often, it will depend more on each cat's personality and upbringing. Just like us humans, cats do have distinctive personalities, and some cats will simply have a more assertive personality. Others, regardless of their gender, will be calmer. Life experiences will also come into the equation here.
Molly. The term “molly” is a general term for a female cat of any age. Unlike male cats being called either “toms” or “tomcats,” a female cat would only be referred to as a “molly” and not a “molly cat.” This is the term used from the time a kitten is born and can technically be used her whole life.