Does Gender Matter in Cat Adoption?
You have decided to adopt another cat. Does it matter whether you choose a male or female? Is there any truth to the dispute that one gender makes for a better feline friend than the other? Does gender matter in cat adoption? When you make the decision to welcome a furry companion into your home, gender should be one consideration but only one.
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The Importance of Gender in Cat Adoption
Gender doesn’t matter with cat pairs as long as everyone is spayed/neutered. It is more important to match the cats in terms of age and temperament. Both neutered male and spayed female cats make excellent companions. The environment that Kitty is raised in plays a huge role in behavioral patterns, too. A well-socialized cat will make a better pet no matter what the gender of the cat’s roommates.
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Cat expert Ingrid King agrees. “I personally believe that gender, other than as a personal preference of the guardian, is the least important consideration when it comes to choosing a good match for your resident cat,” she says.
There is not conclusive science on what combination of cats is going to get along best. Generally, anecdotal evidence suggests that male cats are easier to blend into any household while female cats are less tolerant of living with other female cats. A comprehensive poll of feline veterinary practitioners several years ago actually rated male cats as more affectionate than female cats.
Male vs Female Cats Personality Traits
Some owners and behaviorists argue that there are distinct differences between male and female cats, but only when the cats are intact. Most of the disturbing behavior that intact cats exhibit reduces or disappears once Kitty is spayed or neutered. Most neutered males will not spray. They do not have the same desire to roam and fight for territorial advantage or girls. Females no longer go into heat which stops the yowling and door dashing.
Male Cats are Social and Playful
If you are looking for a friendly, affectionate cat to blend in with an existing cat, select a male. Male cats tend to be more social and affectionate with both cats and their humans. They commonly form strong bonds with other cats in the home, even when they are not from the same litter.
On the other hand, male cats are usually more playful than females, and they can get pretty wild. This is great if you are looking for a fun companion and have the time to dedicate to your feline friend. If you’re looking for more of a quiet companion, though, it might be better to adopt a female.
Although neutering removes the worst of Kitty’s desire to spray, research demonstrates that “male cats are more likely to spray and fight if they are in households with female cats than with other male cats.”
Female Cats are More Independent
Females are often more standoffish and moody. Female cats tend to be more independent than males. If your Kitty will spend a lot of time home alone, a female will generally handle this better than a male.
Even after spaying, the maternal instinct remains strong in females. However, they often transfer that nurturing affection to their guardians. They’ll try and take care of you.
Blending Different Gender Cats in a Multiple Cat Family
A pair of socially-inclined, adults of the opposite gender is the best mix. But it totally depends on the cats in question. Each cat is unique and the combination of blending any two cats together will create a unique feline culture in your home.
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If you add two cats of the same gender, you can expect more drama and a longer time to integrate them into your household. Blending two adult female cats together is the most risky. But again, it totally depends on the cats.
A kitten or a youngster is your safest choice if you have an adult female cat and are looking to adopt another female. Two female kittens raised together should be fine as well.
Contrary to popular belief, two male cats will not fight each other to the death. Cats that have lived on the streets and have had to defend themselves will be more aggressive even after being neutered. Male cats that have lived previously with other male cats should accept a new male companion.
In my personal experience, blending a lot of cats over the years, males are easier to add to a multiple cat family than females. My females have always been more difficult and quicker to raise a paw to a feline roommate.
Summary
Bringing home a new cat is a big deal, and it’s a decision that should not be taken lightly. Both male and female cats develop different personalities based upon the environment and the behavior of their owner. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide how much gender matters when adopting a cat to join your family. You should choose a cat that’s best suited for your lifestyle. The right cat will bring years of joy and companionship into your life.
