Contributed by Angie Lewis, Alaska Animal Advocates
One of the many choices you will be faced with, when adopting a cat, will be deciding if you want a male or a female cat. Each gender has characteristics that will make them unique. Typically, female cats are smaller than male cats. Male cats are usually more friendly than are females. Female cats often take a bit of time to demonstrate trust in their humans. They are just a bit more cautious. Once you have earned their trust, they will be equally loving.
Male cats sometimes have the disadvantage of spraying. This is when a cat backs their body up to a wall or cabinet, tail straight up, and tail shakes or vibrates. A terrible liquid/urine mixture sprays out. I have had cats my entire life and have never had one spray. If they are neutered early in life, anywhere from four to six months. they are unlikely to develop this nasty habit. Both males and females can spray, but males are more likely to do so.
A disadvantage of having a female kitty is that she can get pregnant. This can happen as early as four months old. When a kitty is ready to mate, she goes into heat, which can be a very challenging time for the cat and the humans around her. There is a great deal of howling, yowling, and rubbing against objects or people. At this time your kitty will become obsessed with escaping to look for a male.
There is some thought that female cats are better mousers than males, but this is not necessarily true. It all depends on the kitty. I have all male cats and haven’t ever had a mouse in my house. One did manage to get in years ago, but suffice it to say, he didn’t get back out!
More important than thinking about getting either a male or a female cat is the understanding that each cat has a personality of his own and must be seen as an individual. Make your choice based on the cat’s personality characteristics.