Male or female kitten: which type of kitten to choose?

Male or female kitten: which type of kitten to choose?

You know the biological differences between male and female cats, but when choosing your future companion you might be wondering if one sex is better than the other to join your family. Knowing the differences between strutting males and purring females can help you choose a cat that best suits your lifestyle and personality. So, should you have a male cat or a female instead? Let’s explore the difference between male and female cats first before we can answer this question correctly.

Which sex behaves the best?

The behavioral differences between male and female cats are most evident in animals that are neither spayed nor neutered, as these differences are usually related to the cat’s libido. For example, male cats may become more aggressive, urinating on walls, and trying to escape the house as they reach sexual maturity. Pussies, on the other hand, tend to become more affectionate and some tend to rub almost while uttering a lot of meows.

Although the majority of uncastrated and unsterilized male and female cats each have their own unique behaviors, there is no consensus that cats of both sexes will consistently act a certain way. Some female cats will urine mark when they are in heat, while some male cats will be more affectionate.

According to a study of more than 1000 cat owners by the University of California Veterinary Education Hospital, your future cat’s breed or color may actually be a better indicator of their personality. Cats with tortoise shell-colored coats, for example, are known to be fiery and energetic. However, most cat owners and vets will tell you that choosing a cat based on gender or color won’t guarantee that you will get a cuddly kitty or an independent cat. The environment in which a cat is born, as well as the personality of the parents, will often have a greater influence on behavior than genetics.

The other differences between males and females

Each gender has its advantages and disadvantages associated with it:

  • Male cats tend to be much larger than females;
  • Whole male cats sometimes squirt urine on the walls to mark their territory, and meow to attract females (this is usually no longer a problem if you neuter him);
  • Females tend to be more reserved than males, but are much less likely to urine mark;
  • Females tend to howl when they come into heat and can become pregnant before their first year – talk to your vet about spaying your female.

From a health point of view, unless you absolutely want to breed them, it is strongly recommended to castrate the males or sterilize the females. This avoids breeding behavior that can lead to running away or fights (with injuries) in males, and unwanted litters in females, with kittens that will have to be adopted.

Castration of the male is less expensive than sterilization of the female, because the surgery is easier and faster to perform. Ask your veterinarian for advice.

And once neutered, the differences between males and females hardly exist anymore, because they are no longer under the influence of their hormones.

Choose on appearance? Bad idea

Cat breeds are often more difficult to distinguish than dog breeds. Your future kitten might have a mix of traits, a distinctive color, and a long or short coat. As with most mammals, male cats of all breeds tend to be a bit larger than their female counterparts. However generally, the species remains fairly homogeneous, male and female cats weigh between 4 and 6 kg, and are about 20 to 25 cm high. The type of food you feed your cat, the amount of exercise she will exercise, and her overall health are the factors that will have the greatest effect on her body shape.

Choosing a cat purely on appearance is not ideal. If you’re looking to bring a new cat to your home, visit an adoption center that offers a wide variety of cat ages, breeds, and most importantly, personalities. Many centers have a web page with pictures of kittens that you can review before visiting, and the shelter staff will be able to describe the character of the cat to you.

When you first meet a cat, sit next to it and wait for it to come to you. Let the cat rub and give you a few light nods, and observe it before touching or picking it up. It is important to first let him express his natural character without influencing him by your actions and words. Only then will you be able to see how he reacts to your interaction proposals. And always make time with several different cats, to compare and find the one that appeals to you the most. Some things cannot be explained but can be felt.

So, should I have a male or female cat?

The truth is, the cat’s gender doesn’t really matter when it comes to choosing which animal to purr in your presence. While there are some differences in behavior between male and female cats as they grow older and progress from the kitten stage to the adult stage, a cat’s genetics and environment play a bigger role in how your relationship develops. will install. So, take the time to meet a few cats and choose the one that you think will be your best friend. The differences between male and female cats should only play a small role in choosing a cat.

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