Male or female cat: What role does gender play?
When you decide to get a cat, you are not only faced with the question of which cat breed to get. You also have to decide whether you want a cat or a male cat.
How the two differ from each other and whether gender actually plays a role for you as a prospective owner is explained below.
Cat or tomcat: the most important things at a glance
- Males, regardless of breed, are usually larger, heavier and more robust than cats.
- Cats are usually more independent and less affectionate and have a more pronounced hunting instinct.
- Males like to scuffle and romp and are more affectionate and cuddly than their female counterparts, especially after neutering.
- Neutering usually makes both female and male cats calmer.
- Gender is not the only factor that plays a role in the character of cats and male cats.
- If several cats are kept in one household, animals of the same sex usually get along much better.
External differences between cats and males
Cats and males differ from each other, of course, first of all purely externally. As with many other animal species, there is also a so-called sexual dimorphism in cats. Exceptions confirm the rule. In general, however, males tend to be a good deal larger and heavier than female cats, regardless of breed.
Character differences between cats and males
For most prospective cat owners, character traits are likely to play a much greater role than visual differences. Although not all characteristics that are considered typical for cats and males have been scientifically proven by far, there are definitely certain differences in terms of character.
Characteristics of cats
Cats are often more independent and less affectionate than males. They also have a more pronounced hunting instinct. This is because it is their natural task to provide food for their young. Since they often do this together with other cats, they are usually less aggressive towards feline housemates.
In addition, female cats who are kept as outdoor cats usually do not move too far away from their home.
Special features of male cats
Male cats love to scuffle, which can degenerate into serious fights in sexually mature animals. They are more boisterous with people than their female counterparts. At least in the case of neutered male cats, they are also extremely cuddly four-legged friends who comparatively often seek the proximity of their human housemates.
Apart from that, male cats with outdoor access tend to move farther away from their home during their daily prowls. This is especially true for unneutered animals.
Cat or cat: Why gender is not everything
Gender is not the only factor that determines the character of a cat or a tomcat. Genetic disposition and the socialisation of the animals also play an important role with regard to behaviour.
On the one hand, typical character traits of the parents will also be found in the kittens, and on the other hand, experiences that young cats or males have had with other cats and humans will have an effect on the later behaviour of the four-legged friends.
Despite all tendencies towards gender-typical characteristics, it is therefore quite possible that the behaviour of a cat is more reminiscent of a male cat and that a male cat behaves more like a female cat.
Influence of neutering on cats and males
Many owners decide to neuter their cat regardless of gender. The procedure does not change the basic nature of the animal. However, due to the changes in the hormone balance associated with neutering, it does lead to certain changes in behaviour.
Regardless of gender, you can expect your cat to be more peaceful and calm after neutering. Neutered male cats are also less prone to territorial behaviour and territorial fights than their un-neutered counterparts. They are also less likely to mark the flat with their foul-smelling urine, which may be reason enough for some owners to neuter.
Please note, however, that both male and female cats tend to be overweight after neutering due to the combination of changes in hormonal balance and usually a reduced urge to move. It is therefore especially important for them to eat an adequate amount of food.
Expert advice for neutered cats and males who are overweight
If you notice that your cat or tomcat has become a little too fat after neutering, you should take countermeasures promptly. After all, obesity can cause numerous health problems in the long run and, for example, promote the development of arthrosis in cats.
A moderate reduction in the amount of food will help you to lower your four-legged friend's body weight in a healthy way. In addition, we recommend a dietary supplement with Shiimun Slim.
The easily digestible preparation made from carefully selected, natural ingredients such as shiitake powder and psyllium husks can support your cat's diet and contribute to a sustainable weight reduction.
Get to know Shiimun Slim for cats.
Male or female cat as a second cat?
If you already have a cat and would like a companion for your four-legged friend, experience shows that it is usually better if both animals are of the same sex.
If the four-legged friends are neutered, it is possible for female and male cats to live together. However, two females or two males usually get along better in everyday life.
Male or female cat - our conclusion
As you can see, there are certain differences between cats and males. However, these differences are much smaller than is often assumed. In the end, it is entirely up to you whether you prefer to keep a female cat or a tomcat.
As long as you give your four-legged friend enough attention right from the start and make sure that they want for nothing, nothing will stand in the way of a relaxed life together, regardless of the sex of the animal.
We are therefore sure that you will find a loyal friend in both a female cat or a tomcat that you will not want to miss out on.
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