Toms or Queens? Weighing the Male Cats Vs Female Cats Pros and Cons

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Cats are mysterious and captivating creatures, often leaving us with a conundrum – should we choose a male cat or a female cat as our feline companion? While it’s essential to focus on an individual cat’s personality and needs, there are certain male cat vs female cat pros and cons to keep in mind.

In this fun exploration, we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having a boy cat versus a girl cat and answer some of the most common questions to help you make an informed choice. So, are you Team Toms or Team Queens? Let’s dive into the battle of the sexes – cat edition!

The Gender Dilemma: Toms vs. Queens

Before we jump into the pros and cons of male cats vs female cats, it’s vital to understand that gender isn’t the sole determining factor in a cat’s personality. Just like us humans, each feline has a unique temperament, and factors like upbringing and socialization play a significant role. For example, labeling all female cats as “sassy” or all male cats as “lazy” can cause us to make blanket generalizations that are, in fact, false.

Because of this, it’s important to also consider your cat’s individual personality and upbringing when deciding which kitty is right for you. That being said, female and male cats can be quite different from one another based on their biology. Let’s explore what this means. 

Male vs. Female Cats: The Differences

Is It Better to Get a Female or Male Cat? 

The choice between getting a male or female cat ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the specific characteristics you’re looking for in a feline companion. Both male and female cats can make wonderful pets. Male cats are often considered more affectionate and sociable, while female cats can be equally loving but may display a bit more independence.

Male cats are generally larger and may have a tendency to mark their territory by spraying, though this can most often be minimized through neutering. Female cats are typically more territorial and may have strong maternal instincts. Nevertheless, spaying and neutering can help to minimize unwanted behaviors in both genders and reduce the risk of health issues – not to mention help reduce overcrowding in shelters. In the end, the best choice for you is the cat that matches your lifestyle and personality, regardless of gender.

Did You Know? Long-Time Price is Right host Bob Barker urged viewers to spay and neuter their pets for decades. Here’s why.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Having a Male Cat? 

Male cats are known for their affectionate nature. Many tomcats love cuddling and snuggling with their owners, providing constant companionship. They can also tend to be more playful and energetic than their female counterparts. They love games and may even be more entertaining for households with active kids or multiple pets.

If you’re considering having more than one cat, males also tend to be less territorial and more accepting of new feline additions, which can help create a harmonious multi-cat household. However, this is not always the case, as some male cats can be aggressive, especially in an overly playful way. Unfortunately, it’s not always well received. 

Nevertheless, one of the most significant concerns for male cat owners is spraying. Unneutered males are much more likely to mark their territory by spraying urine, which can be both frustrating and exceedingly unpleasant. Unneutered male cats may also tend to roam and engage in territorial fights, which could lead to injuries or infections. Moral of the story? Make sure to neuter your fluffy boi. 

Are you about to adopt a new cat? Learn how to make them feel at home in their new environment.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Having a Female Cat? 

Female cats, in general, tend to be more consistent with their litter box habits simply because they’re less likely to spray. Girl cats are also less inclined to roam in search of a mate, making them less susceptible to outdoor dangers. With their quieter and less aggressive tendencies, they’re often more suitable for households with calmer environments. 

On the other hand, unspayed female cats go through frequent heat cycles every 14-21 days, which can be challenging to manage. This can result in restlessness, yowling, and an increased desire to escape to find a mate. Some female cats can also display territorial aggression, which might be a concern if you plan to introduce another cat into the household. These can both be mitigated by early spaying.

While female cats can be affectionate, they are often perceived as slightly more independent compared to males. Of course, this doesn’t mean your female cat won’t enjoy laying on your lap for hours on end. However, she might not demand as much attention and may appreciate some alone time.

Do All Male Cats Spray?

The simple answer is no. While unneutered male cats are more likely to spray, neutering typically curbs this behavior. If you neuter your cat early in life, he probably won’t go around spraying inside of a house he’s familiar with. However, individual cats each have unique personalities, and some neutered males might still spray occasionally. This is especially true in situations where they’re stressed or experiencing changes in their environment.

Suggested reading: Is your cat peeing outside the litter box? Here are some common reasons why that might be happening.

Are Female or Male Cats More Affectionate? 

Gender doesn’t solely determine the level of affection in cats. But, many male cats are incredibly affectionate and bond closely with their owners. They can be the ultimate lap cats, craving attention and cuddles. On the other hand, female cats can be equally loving. However, their affection might be expressed differently, such as through quieter gestures like purring and kneading. Girl cats often retain their maternal instincts even after being spayed as well. This can make them extremely loyal to their owner. 

All that said, we’ve personally experienced the most loving and lazy female cats, and the most aloof and sassy male cats as well.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a certain personality, it helps to visit your local shelter and spend time learning the individual personalities of the cats. You can also ask the shelter staff, as they typically know which ones are the most loving and the most playful.

Is It Okay to Have a Male and Female Cat Together?

Absolutely! It’s completely possible for male and female cats can live together harmoniously. However, the key is ensuring both are spayed or neutered. Not only will this help minimize unwanted behaviors and health issues, but it’ll also prevent an unexpected litter of kittens. 

As with any multi-cat household, it’s essential to consider their individual personalities and how they interact during the introduction phase. If they have compatible temperaments and are introduced slowly and methodically, they can become the best of friends. They can even provide companionship to each other when you’re not around.

Pro tip: Avoid a catfight between your new cat and resident cat by learning how to introduce them properly.

Finding the Best Furbaby for You, Regardless of Gender

Ultimately, the decision to bring a male or female cat into your life should be guided by your lifestyle, your family’s needs, and your personal preferences. Always remember that individual personalities vary greatly, even within the same gender. While sex can influence certain characteristics and behaviors, it doesn’t define the entire personality of your feline friend. Whether you opt for a male cat or a female cat, the most critical factor is the love and care you provide. So, when making your choice, make sure to follow your heart. Let your new furbaby’s personality shine through, regardless of whether they’re a lovable tomcat or an independent queen. 

Do you prefer male or female cats? Let us know in the comments below!