5 Common Myths About Cat Gender Debunked

No one is immune to stereotypes and myths–not even our beloved feline friends. Those who haven’t had the pleasure of living with a cat can occasionally assume they’re all aloof, lazy, and filled to the brim with attitude. Sure, this can sometimes be true, but a little time spent with cats can show you that they’re just as diverse as the humans who raise them.

As it turns out, cat gender is still often the subject of myth. So we’re here to set the record straight. These myths about cat gender are some of the most common ones you may hear, but they’re no less fascinating or important when doing research before adopting a cat. Understanding the truths behind these myths may help you decide whether to adopt a male or female, and it can tell you what to expect if a rescue cat of either gender chooses you instead. Plus–who doesn’t love adding to their repertoire of feline fun facts?

While the logic behind this myth adds up, the truth is that a cat’s tendency to bond with their people has more to do with their personality than with their gender. The veterinarians behind The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) explain that most cats are happiest when it’s just themselves and their humans, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re velcroed to their parent’s side 24/7. Cats used to human attention and handling at a young age may be likelier to enjoy cuddling and quality time with their parent as an adult cat, too. Even though some cat parents agree that their boy cats are sweet and loving while their females are more aloof, this is only a stereotype.

• Calico cat coat genetics:

  How does this work? We must go back to high school biology for a minute to fully understand. You’ll remember that all traits that make a person or animal unique are determined in their DNA, which comprises 23 pairs of chromosomes (where the genetic data is stored). One pair of these chromosomes is called the sex chromosomes, which determine a person or animal’s gender. Some traits, such as a cat’s coat color, are also carried from generation to generation on the sex chromosomes. More specifically, a cat’s coat color genetics is determined by their X chromosome(s).

Because female cats have XX chromosomes, they’ll receive one copy of coat color genes from each of their parents. When a female inherits one orange X and one black X, the result is a calico or tortoiseshell kitten! Very rarely, a developing kitten will inherit an extra sex chromosome, resulting in an XXY genetic code. This gives you a male calico cat! Because these males are genetically different, they are sterile and will be unable to reproduce.

• Orange cat coat genetics:

  The opposite is also true with orange cats: the vast majority of them are male. This is because the trait for an orange coat is recessive, meaning it needs to be the only trait genetically present to be physically represented in the cat’s coat color. This happens more frequently for males because they only inherit one X chromosome (which determines coat color), whereas females would need to inherit the orange coat color from both parents. Remember, females have 2 X chromosomes!

Testosterone can sometimes cause male cats to seek out mates by any means necessary–including pulling an escape act–but this has more to do with whether or not they have been neutered than with their gender itself. Many boy cats are perfectly content at home, especially after being fixed.

On the other end of the spectrum, female felines can also wander! Some females in heat will seek mates just like the boys do, but your girl cat may also disappear to a quiet, comfy place if she expects kittens. This is normal, but it could certainly make you panic until you locate your furry friend.

It’s true! Although tom cats (AKA non-neutered male cats) are most likely to mark their territory by spraying, any cat may spray. In fact, VCA Animal Hospitals estimates that about 10% of neutered male cats and 5% of spayed females continue to mark their territory with urine. This may also be more common in multi-cat households, but gender is not the only factor in the likelihood of this behavior.

Cats often fight over territory, both in the home and outdoors. This happens when an established cat feels threatened by another cat’s presence, whether it’s a new kitten in the house or a feral cat that has wandered into town. Cats attempt to claim their territory by leaving their scent behind, but sometimes, marking via urination or rubbing the scent glands isn’t enough. Few cats truly are acting out of aggression, but pet cats may end up fighting when play goes a little too far.

The feline experts at PDSA found that “Female cats will stand up for themselves just as much as males,” regardless of whether or not they’ve been fixed. Your cat’s feelings toward other felines in general are a better indicator of how they’ll react in a specific situation, as cats who have grown up around other cats may be more tolerant of other four-legged friends. If you’re unsure how your furry friend feels, pay attention to your cat’s body language and sounds. A crouched, tense cat is likely feeling stressed, while a chatty and relaxed cat is ready to make a new friend.

A cat’s gender is such a small piece of who they are, but it’s both important and fascinating to understand a few key differences and myths about cat gender. These misconceptions are more widely believed than you may think! To learn even more interesting fun facts about our beloved feline companions, make sure to stay up-to-date with Small Talk’s latest articles, interviews, and other tasty tidbits.