What is the Difference Between Male & Female Cat Behaviors?

Each cat has its own individual personality, which is more important in determining its temperament than is its sex. Prior to spaying and neutering, however, there are some marked differences in behavior of male and female cats.

  1. Intact Males

    • Unsterilized males are very likely to roam far from home looking for females. They are aggressive with other male cats, and they are likely to spray urine to mark their territory.

    Intact Females

    • An unsterilized female regularly goes "into heat." During this time she is sexually receptive and displays behaviors such as pacing and yowling. If she is a house cat, she may try to escape in search of a mate.

    Sterilization

    • Spaying of the female and neutering of the male have the effect of calming sex-driven behaviors such as urine marking. A small percentage of neutered male cats may still exhibit marking, especially if there are other cats in the house.

    Affection

    • A study reported by Dr. Benjamin Hart of the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, showed that neutered males cats are generally more affectionate and less aggressive than spayed females.

    Hunting Skills

    • Female cats have long been believed to be better "mousers," perhaps because in the wild, it is their job to provide food for kittens until they are old enough to hunt.