Male vs. Female Cats: Which Should You Adopt?

Unless you're looking at intact cats, it doesn't make a big difference if you get a male or female cat. Breed and environmental factors have a much greater impact. Marcel ter Bekke / Getty Images

When choosing a new cat, you might find yourself wondering if you should adopt a male or female cat.

It's true that animal behaviour science has found some general differences in male vs. female cats that can help guide your decision. But it's important to understand that personality traits are often influenced more significantly by factors such as breed, genetics, early experiences and environment.

Size

When it comes to physical traits, male cats are often larger and heavier than their female counterparts. This difference is more noticeable in some breeds. For example, male Maine Coon cats reach weights up to 25 pounds (11 kilograms), whereas females are around 11 pounds (5 kilograms).

In other breeds, there is a less noticeable difference. Genetics, nutrition and overall health play a role in how big a cat grows.

Features and Fur

In many breeds, males tend to have broader heads, rounder cheeks, thicker necks and thicker fur, due to testosterone. Females tend to have more slender, delicate-looking faces and softer, finer fur.

Color

longhaired white cat with black and orange spots — Calico cats are almost always female. Kryssia Campos / Getty Images

Many cat breeds can have calico coat color patterns, including American Shorthairs, British Shorthairs, Maine Coons, Persian and Siberian cats. It's also worth noting that if you're interested in the look of calico cats, which have white with patches of orange and black, the vast majority of these are female.

orange cat with wide eyes — Most orange tabbies are male.
Eric Hacke / Getty Images

Orange tabby cats, on the other hand, are much more likely to be male. Roughly 80% of orange tabbies are male. This is because females need two copies of the orange gene (O), one on each X chromosome, to turn the black fur into orange. Whereas, males only need one copy on their one X chromosome.

Behavioral Differences

Again, differences between male and female cats are often oversimplified, but studies of companion animal medicine show that male and female cats can vary in behavior.

Male cats tend to be more social and playful, especially when they are neutered. Female cats tend to be more independent and reserved.

Neutered Cats vs. Spayed Cats

Neutered male cats are less likely to roam or engage in territorial spraying with other cats — behaviors more commonly seen in intact male cats.

Spayed female cats are affectionate and calm, making them wonderful companions for quieter households. However, intact female cats can go into heat several times a year, which may lead to loud vocalizations and restlessness if not spayed.

Spaying and neutering not only prevent unwanted litters but also have health benefits for both male and female cats.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, spayed female cats are less likely to develop uterine infections or mammary tumors, while neutered male cats are at reduced risk for testicular cancer and prostate issues.

These procedures also help curb problematic behaviors, such as the aforementioned spraying in unneutered male cats or yowling in intact female cats.

For indoor cats, spaying or neutering is particularly important as it reduces stress and helps them adapt to living in close quarters with other pets. Whether you're considering male kittens or adopting a female, ensuring they are fixed will lead to a happier, healthier pet.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.