When you're receiving oodles of head bunts from your snuggly male kitty, it appears the answer to the question of are male cats more affectionate than female cats is an obvious "Yes!" But scientific studies don't support that theory.
One of the primary reasons we don't really know for sure is that, unlike dog personality, cat personality is a poorly researched topic, Julie Posluns, ACAAB, and owner of Cat School, says. However, what few studies there are indicate that a well-loved, engaged, and positively socialized kitty—regardless of gender—is quite fond of his human companions.
"Most researchers agree that we can rate cats on a dimension called sociability, which encompasses traits that characterize cats as friendly and loving," Posluns says. "Based on the few studies of cat sociability, little research supports that male cats are more affectionate."
Now, if you're curious about how your kitty might perform on a social intelligence test, researchers at Oregon State University created a few experiments to try, such as does your cat know his name and if he actually prefers your company to other enticements, such as food or toys. Their clinical tests conclude kitties of both genders frequently choose their humans over other things—providing they're not hungry, of course.
Are Male Cats More Affectionate to Female Owners?
While a cat's gender doesn't seem to make a difference in terms of affection, Posluns notes that studies of cat personality also suggest it has little influence on the type of relationship with their owner. But in contrast, "an owner's gender has a much more significant impact on the cat-human bond," she says. "For example, female owners tend to be more active toward their cats, speaking to and approaching them more often than men."
Posluns says another reason why it's challenging to determine if male cats are more affectionate is that some research on cat personality "doesn't even consider owner gender as a variable because 9 out of 10 people who fill out surveys on their cat's personality are women, which makes it hard to get accurate results."
This isn't to say that male cat owners don't love their kitties as much. If anything, it demonstrates that neither human nor feline gender really matters, but how you treat your pet truly does.
Does Spaying and Neutering Promote Affection?
Because most research on spaying and neutering cats has been focused on studying population control, there is currently no evidence to prove that male cats are more affectionate before or after neutering, Posluns says. However, issues with tomcat roaming and fighting due to testosterone levels are greatly reduced after neutering, which could be perceived as an increase in affection.
Now, female cats in heat are known to be quite affectionate, but this isn't a reflection of human interaction. You, potted plants, the dog, a fencepost—all receive endless markings of her estrus pheromones.However, in the early weeks of pregnancy, an expectant mother often wants to be closer to you. Don't pick her up—let her comfortably rest on or by you. Also, make sure there's a cozy nesting spot for when she's ready to give birth.
What Else Impacts Affection in Cats?
Some cat breeds are known for appreciating "you time" more than others, such as Siamese, Maine coons, and ragdolls. However, many factors determine a cat's show of affection beyond natural dispositions. Here are just a few.
Respected Boundaries
You know how you feel when that one relative gives you excessive hugs and smooches? Well, cats have individual boundaries, too, and we'll always have better engagement with them if we don't force physical aspects such as hugging, kissing, tickling, and even petting. Your cat's body language provides many clues to how much of your affection he wants, and abiding by these signals builds trust.
Posluns says without question, "kittens who go through an early socialization process—where they meet familiar and unfamiliar people before they're 12 weeks old—become friendlier individuals."
Also, if you're fostering cats or adopting a rescue, many have difficult backstories and might have trouble warming up at first. Patience and compassion are your best assets for creating a safe, nurturing environment.
A Dedication to Bonding
Your and your feline friend can enjoy a wonderful loving relationship when you consider their needs and wants. Plan to:
Invest time in bonding, including daily mental and physical engagement with games, toys, and other activities kitties enjoy.
Provide cool spaces, such as cat trees and catios, that allow for both a place to perch and an escape from the hustle and bustle of the household when necessary.
Ensure that all animals in your care have equal access to resources so kitty doesn't feel insecure or jealous.
Myth: Male cats are more affectionate towards humans and bond really well with their owners. Female cats are aloof and, because of their mothering instincts, prefer other cats to humans. Reality: This usually comes down to your cat's individual personality.
No scientific evidence suggests male cats are always more affectionate than female cats. Still, research suggests that gender may impact some personality traits. Affection can be affected by many different variables, including socialization, neutering status, breed, and even color in some instances.
Are Male Cats More Affectionate to Female Owners? While a cat's gender doesn't seem to make a difference in terms of affection, Posluns notes that studies of cat personality also suggest it has little influence on the type of relationship with their owner.
You may have noticed that your cat, or one of your cats, favors one family member over the other. This is not unusual. Male cats are more likely to bond with female owners than vice versa. Female cats prefer male owners because they tend to be more caring and affectionate towards their humans.
Male cats are more likely to have tabby coats and are very unlikely to have the required chromosomes for a tortoiseshell or calico coat. Male cats are less likely to accept other cats into their household as adults. Male cats are likely to be larger, eat more, and keep growing for longer.
Boredom - A dull or unenriched environment can lead to clingy behavior in cats. Cats who do not have enough toys, climbing surfaces, hiding places, or other sources of entertainment may start to view their owner as their only source of stimulation.
Some cats do, some cats don't. More often than not, they will show the most affection towards the person who spends the most time caring for them, including feeding them. But while some of our feline friends won't be afraid to make their favorites known, others will be more comfortable loving you from afar.
Myth: Male cats are more affectionate towards humans and bond really well with their owners. Female cats are aloof and, because of their mothering instincts, prefer other cats to humans. Reality: This usually comes down to your cat's individual personality.
Many cat owners will tell you that males are naturally more affectionate, and build up an easier bond with their owners. Females tend to be more aloof.
The truth is that the sex of the cat really doesn't matter when it comes to choosing the purrfect pet for you. Although there are some behavioral differences between male and female cats as they grow from kittens to adults, a cat's genetics and environment play a bigger role in how well the two of you will bond.
Behaviorally, male cats are known to be more affectionate, but are also more territorial. Female cats tend to be calmer, but less open to strangers. The differences between male and female cats are more noticeable in intact cats, so be sure your cat is spayed or neutered .
Of course while some cats get more affectionate as they age, this is not true for all cats and can depend on a number of different factors such as personality, environment, breed and more. Age also comes with physical effects that often cause cats to decrease activity and become less playful.
Key Takeaways. It's normal for a cat to be a little possessive of their favorite person, but sometimes possessive behavior becomes extreme and causes issues in a household. Possible triggers for excessive possessive behavior include living with multiple cats, guests visiting the home, and new human family members.
You can tell your cat has imprinted on you when they communicate happy meows and purrs, follow you around, sleep and cuddle with you, and show you their belly.
Why Does My Cat Sleep With My Husband and Not Me? It's common knowledge that cats love to be warm—and they are known for gravitating to heat. This is likely why your cat prefers to sit and sleep on your husband. Your cat might prefer your husband simply because he's warmer.
Female cats tend to be more independent than males. If you put in long hours at work and your new pet will spend a lot of time home alone, a female will generally handle this better than a male. Girl cats are often perfectly content snoozing and entertaining themselves throughout the day.
The truth is, as long as they are neutered (which we highly recommend for keeping them healthy and avoiding any unwanted litters of kittens) there really isn't much difference between getting a male or female cat.
The first reason why cats run away is their reproductive instinct. Which is strong in female cats in heat as well as unneutered male cats. As long as you have an unneutered male cat, he's more likely to spend his time outdoors. (Searching for purrfect mating partners.)
Behaviorally, male cats are known to be more affectionate, but are also more territorial. Female cats tend to be calmer, but less open to strangers. The differences between male and female cats are more noticeable in intact cats, so be sure your cat is spayed or neutered opens in a new tab .
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Introduction: My name is Cheryll Lueilwitz, I am a sparkling, clean, super, lucky, joyous, outstanding, lucky person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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