An Introduction to Calmer Cat Genders
Cats have been beloved pets for centuries, known for their independent and aloof personalities. However, it’s a common belief that male and female cats exhibit distinct temperaments and behavior. When it comes to a calmer demeanor, is one gender known to be more mellow than the other?
In this article, we’ll examine the various factors that contribute to a cat’s temperament, including gender differences in behavior, the impacts of neutering/spaying, breed tendencies, and environmental influences. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of whether male or female cats tend to be calmer overall.
Background on Cat Behavior
Cats exhibit a wide range of temperaments and personality traits. According to The Definitive Guide to Cat Behavior and Body Language, cat body language provides important clues into their mood and temperament (https://www.tuftandpaw.com/blogs/cat-guides/the-definitive-guide-to-cat-behavior-and-body-language). Relaxed cats often have their ears facing forward and eyes slightly closed or blinking slowly. Aggressive or upset cats may flatten their ears back, arch their backs, swish their tails quickly, or exhibit other body language signs of irritation.
There are key differences between aggressive behavior and normal energetic cat playfulness. Playful cats may pounce, chase, and exhibit mock fighting, but without the intent to harm. Aggressive cats may hiss, growl, bite, scratch, or swat with claws extended. However, context is important, as play can sometimes appear aggressive. Understanding your cat’s unique personality helps distinguish between play and true aggression.
Environment, training, socialization, and breed are all factors that influence a cat’s baseline temperament and tendency towards calm or aggressive behavior. With proper care and training, cats can be taught to control aggressive impulses and remain calm in stressful situations.
Female Cat Temperament
Female cats tend to have calmer, more independent personalities compared to males. They are usually less needy for attention and more content spending time alone. Female cats are typically quieter and less vocal than males, especially when not in heat. Hormones have a significant impact on female cat behavior. When a female cat goes into heat, which happens several times a year until spayed, she becomes much more vocal and restless. Her hormones drive her to yowl, rub, and present herself to try to attract a mate. She may also start urine-marking around the house more frequently. Generally, spaying a female cat before her first heat cycle leads to a calmer, more consistent personality year-round. According to Viera Vet, unspayed female cats tend to become more irritable and aggressive with age if not bred. So spaying helps promote a more even-tempered, calm personality.
Male Cat Temperament
Male cats tend to have energetic, playful personalities. They often remain kittenish and mischievous into adulthood. Many male cats are very social and affectionate, quickly bonding with their human families as well as other cats in the home. They often follow their owners around and enjoy physical affection like lap-sitting and petting.
However, hormones can impact male cat behavior once they become sexually mature after 6-18 months of age. Intact male cats are driven by the urge to mate and may spray urine to mark their territory, wander in search of females, and vocalize loudly with yowling or meowing. Neutering male cats before sexual maturity prevents these behaviors driven by hormones. According to https://www.vieravet.com/services/cats/blog/how-spot-personality-differences-between-male-and-female-cats, neutered male cats retain their affectionate and social personality traits without the problematic mating behaviors.
Neutering Impact
Neutering cats changes their hormone levels, most significantly reducing testosterone in males and estrogen in females. This impacts behavior and temperament.
In female cats, the reduced estrogen after spaying often makes them calmer and less moody. They are less likely to go into heat cycles, which involves behaviors like restlessness, vocalizing, and trying to escape the home to find mates. Without those hormonal influences, spayed females tend to be more mellow and affectionate.
Neutering also reduces testosterone and related behaviors in male cats. According to research from the VCA Animal Hospital, neutered males are less likely to urine mark, roam, or fight with other cats. The territorial behaviors decrease once the hormonal impetus is removed. Neutered male cats are generally more docile, playful, and attached to their owners.
Breed Differences
Certain cat breeds tend to have calmer temperaments than others. The Himalayan, Ragdoll, Persian, Scottish Fold, Ragamuffin, Birman, Maine Coon and British Shorthair are considered some of the most docile, mellow, and easygoing cats.
For example, the Ragdoll is known for its puppy-like personality and tendency to flop over for belly rubs. Himalayans, derived from Siamese and Persian lines, are affectionate lap cats that love lounging. The Maine Coon adapts well to other pets and children with its tolerant attitude.
There are always exceptions, as each cat has his or her unique personality. However, certain breeds are genetically predisposed to being more relaxed, making them good choices for households desiring a laidback kitty companion.
Environmental Factors
It’s essential to note that a cat’s surroundings play a significant role in their overall temperament and level of calmness. As the Humane Society outlines, “Cats need routine, exercise and enrichment.” Things like furniture arrangement, loud noises, other pets, children, and your schedule can all impact a cat’s stress levels.
To help create a calm home environment, the Humane Society recommends providing cats with adequate spaces for hiding, perching, playing, and scratching. Food puzzles, cat trees, scratching posts, windows perches, and cat-friendly spaces can give cats outlets and places to retreat. PetMD also suggests keeping litter boxes clean, providing quality nutrition, and ensuring a consistent daily routine. Cats feel most relaxed when their needs are consistently met within a stable, comforting home.
It’s also wise to minimize loud noises, introductions to new animals or people, and schedule disruptions when possible. Cats feel calmest when change is gradual and gentle. Be aware of your cat’s stress signals like vocalizing, inappropriate urination, overgrooming, aggression, or hiding.
Training for Calmness
There are several techniques you can use to train your cat to be calmer. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key when training cats.
Set a routine – Cats feel more secure when they have a predictable daily routine. Feed them, play with them, and put them to bed around the same times each day. This helps prevent anxious energy build up.
Provide enrichment – Give your cat opportunities to express natural behaviors like scratching, climbing, and hiding. Cat trees, scratching posts, and interactive toys can help satisfy these needs in a positive way.
Use treats – Break training goals into small steps and reward each one with treats. For example, give a treat for sitting calmly on your lap for 30 seconds, then work up to longer durations. Food motivated cats respond very well to treat training.
Ignore bad behavior – If your cat is acting out with meowing, biting, or scratching don’t give any reaction. Only give attention for calm behavior. This reinforces the message that calmness gets rewarded.
Consider pheromones – Synthetic feline pheromones like Feliway can help reduce anxiety and stress in the home environment. Diffusers and sprays containing these pheromones encourage calmness.
Be patient – Changing behavior takes time and consistency. Stick with training techniques for at least a few weeks before expecting major changes in your cat’s demeanor. With regular reinforcement, you can achieve a calmer cat. For more tips check out this guide from petMD.
Conclusion
In summary, female cats tend to be calmer than male cats overall. This is largely due to hormone differences, as females produce less testosterone. Additionally, female cats are less likely to roam, spray, or fight which contributes to their more relaxed demeanor.
Key reasons female cats are often calmer include:
- Lower testosterone levels
- Less territorial
- Don’t go through heat cycles
- Less aggressive/competitive
- More likely to be lap cats
While gender tendencies exist, every cat has their own unique personality. Proper socialization, training, neutering, and providing a stable environment can help cats of both sexes become their calmest and best selves.
References
Maggs, D. J., Niel, L., Adamantos, S., & Rapee, R. M. (2015). Evaluation of predictors for the diagnosis of feline psychogenic alopecia in cats presented with non-inflammatory alopecia. Australian Veterinary Journal, 93(7), 235-240.
Gourkow, N., & Phillips, C. J. (2015). Effect of interactions with humans on behavior, mucosal immunity and upper respiratory disease of shelter cats rated as contented on arrival. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 119(3-4), 288-296.
De Monte, M., & Le Pape, G. (1997). Behavioral effects of cage enrichment in single-caged adult cats. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 1(2), 113-125.
Hart, B. L. (1972). Normal Social Organization and Behavior Patterns of Domestic Cats. Animal Behaviour, 20(4), 628-630.