Cat Owner's Manual › Chapter 1: Choosing a Cat › Selecting the Right Cat Breed ›

Cat Gender

Some cat aficionados assert that, in general, male cats make more laid-back, playful companions, while females tend to be more secretive and reserved. Usually, however, feline personalities are so distinctive that sweeping, gender-based generalizations are meaningless. There are plenty of reserved male cats and plenty of playful, outgoing females—so many that your decision should be based not on alleged sex-specific characteristics but on those of the particular cat under consideration.

However, the above rules only apply to felines who have been neutered or spayed. The personalities of "intact" males and females diverge in many important, and usually unpleasant, ways. During breeding season, females often announce their fertility with loud, continuous wailing. Male cats advertise their sexuality using even more unacceptable methods. They will, if allowed, mark their territory with strong-smelling bursts of urine; roam the neighborhood in search of females; and routinely fight other outdoor males for mating rights. These behaviors can become so extreme that some intact males become impossible to keep as indoor pets.

Fortunately, neutering and spaying usually end all of these behaviors, creating a healthier, happier, more manageable pet. For this reason, it is the duty of all responsible cat owners to take this step. (See Spaying and Neutering.)

Comments (2)

Chapter 1: Choosing a Cat

Comments for This Page (2)  |  Post a Comment

To me, a more manageable pet is secondary to controlling the population of unwanted cats. My Charley was 1 of the lucky few. There are at least 1/2 dozen ferals that I see on our property regularly. I think a couple may be related to Charley, & it breaks my heart to see them & the new litters of unwanted babies every year. Population control is #1 reason to 'alter' your pet, even if you plan on keeping him/her indoors. They can be quite quick when they decide they are going to go outside!

purred by Carol Marfuta on May 19, 2008 AT 2:31 pm PDT
Helpful? Y / N    Report this Comment

In my experience, the male cats have always been more affectionate, and the females more aloof. I think a lot depends on breed and handling too (nature vs nurture, as with humans!)

purred by Amanda Cox on Jun 29, 2008 AT 1:29 am PDT
Helpful? Y / N    Report this Comment

Post a Comment for This Page

Please log in or register to post a comment.

Email
Password:

Quirk BooksThe Cat Owner's Manual is a basic guide to cat care.
The book was written by a celebrated veterinarian and an acclaimed author. It provides cat owners with well-researched and helpful information presented in a lighthearted manner. The creators chose to write the book in a style similar to what you'd find in "operating instructions" for a car or computer. Of course they--and we--respect the fact that our beloved pets are not products or machines!