Introduction
The origin of calling female cats “queens” can be traced back centuries to when cats first began being domesticated by humans. Though the precise etymology is unclear, the queen moniker likely arose from observations of the regal, noble bearing that female cats can exhibit, as well as their solitary and independent nature. Additionally, the motherhood role that female cats play within a colony or clowder of cats came to be associated with the notion of a matriarch or queen bee. This brief overview explores the main reasons why our feline friends came to be called queens.
Female Leadership
Female cats naturally assume leadership roles within colonies and households. In groups of feral cats, females form the core membership and structure of the colony. Females cooperate to rear kittens, with nursing mothers working together to feed and protect each other’s litters. More experienced females will even teach younger cats how to care for new kittens (Crowell-Davis, 2004). The colony has a matriarchal hierarchy, with dominant females controlling resources and territory. Kittens and subordinate females must follow the “rules” set by the matriarch to remain part of the group (Catson Broadway Hospital, 2016).
This natural leadership structure continues even after domestication. In households with multiple cats, females often dominate males, controlling resources like food, territory, and access to humans. The household’s “top cat” is usually a female. Experts believe this helps minimize conflict and promotes harmony (International Cat Care, 2018). Whether in the wild or at home, female cats possess the social intelligence and authority to organize群cat society.
Reproduction
Female cats, called queens, are seasonally polyestrous, meaning they have multiple heat cycles during breeding seasons that recur throughout the year Breeding and Queening Cats – VCA Animal Hospitals. Queens usually have their first heat around 6 months old and will continue to go into heat every 2-3 weeks during breeding season until pregnant. The mating ritual involves the queen adopting a mating stance to allow the male cat (tom) to mount her Mating and Conception in Cats. After successful mating, ovulation occurs and the eggs travel to the uterus for fertilization. Pregnancy lasts about 9 weeks or 63-65 days.
Once pregnant, the queen’s mammary glands enlarge and she begins nesting behaviors to prepare for the birth. She seeks out dark, quiet, enclosed spaces for the nest. A few days before birthing the kittens, the mammary glands swell with milk. The queen usually gives birth to a litter of 4-6 kittens. She secludes herself during active labor and delivery. After each kitten is born, she bites through and removes the amniotic sac, severs the umbilical cord, and licks the kitten dry. She continues to nurse and care for the kittens in the nest until they are weaned around 4-6 weeks old Breeding and Reproduction of Cats – Cat Owners.
Independence
Female cats, known as queens, exhibit a great deal of independence when it comes to selecting a mate. Unlike some species where the male dominates the mating process, queen cats are very selective and choosy. They rely heavily on their senses to assess potential mates, often rejecting the first male that approaches. Queens want to ensure they find the best mate to father healthy kittens. According to Quora, a female cat in heat will mate with any available male, but she does exhibit preferences and can reject unsuitable mates. The queen exerts control over the mating, assuming the classic mating posture of chest down, rear up only when she is ready. Her independent nature means she will often mate with multiple males to ensure getting the best genes for her kittens.
Goddesses
Cats have long been associated with goddesses in various cultures and mythologies throughout history. One of the most well-known cat goddesses is Bastet from ancient Egyptian mythology. Bastet was originally portrayed as a ferocious lioness warrior goddess. Over time, she evolved into a goddess of protection, fertility, and motherhood often depicted as a cat or in human form with a cat head (Source). She was an extremely popular deity and cats were sacred animals to the ancient Egyptians. Freya, the Norse goddess of love, fertility, war, and wealth was also linked to cats. She rode a chariot pulled by two large gray cats given to her by the god Thor. Cats are independent, powerful, and mysterious which resonated with many ancient goddesses.
Regal Bearing
Female cats, known as queens, are often described as carrying themselves with a regal bearing. Their graceful movements and dignified mannerisms evoke royalty. One Reddit user described cats as “prideful creatures” and noted that even when a cat accidentally falls or makes a mistake, they carry on with composure and seem somewhat embarrassed, unlike dogs who shake it off (source). This regal posture is likely an evolutionary remnant from when wild cats relied on a dignified presence to establish territory and social standing. Domestic cats retain this natural elegance.
A cat’s regal posture stems from multiple traits. Cats hold their heads high, with ears erect, to survey their domain (source). Their tails lift straight up when walking, only flicking at the tip, showing confidence. Cats also elegantly tuck their paws beneath them when sitting or lightly tread on their toes when sneaking about. Everything about a cat’s movements evoke nobility, from the deliberate lift of a paw to the slow blink of an eye.
This graceful manner of carrying themselves provides cats an aura of royalty. Since cats were first revered in ancient Egypt, humans have associated their elegant posture with queens and kings. Unlike clumsy puppies or insecure rodents, cats project an assured confidence fitting of a monarch surveying their kingdom. Even the most humble house cat retains this regal air, padding about the home as though it were a palace. Their natural dignity and poise inspire humans to equate cats with royalty and bestow upon them a worthy title: queen.
Solitary Nature
Female cats, commonly referred to as queens, are known for their solitary nature and careful selectivity when interacting socially with other cats (The Social Structure of Cat Life). Queens prefer to live alone rather than in groups or colonies, only coming together during mating season (Life in a Feral Cat Colony). This solitude allows queens to focus on hunting and defending their territory.
While female cats are solitary, they are selective about social interaction versus being completely antisocial. Queens will temporarily pair with male cats for mating and may continue to associate for up to a week after (The Social Structure of Cat Life). Mother cats will also socialize with their litters for the first several weeks of the kittens’ lives before encouraging independence. So while being predominantly solitary creatures, female cats are socially discerning when it suits their needs.
Motherhood
Mother cats display strong maternal instincts and attentive care for their kittens. After giving birth, mother cats devote themselves fully to nursing, grooming, and protecting their young. They keep the kittens warm and fed by nursing them frequently. Mother cats also use their rough tongues to lick and stimulate kittens to urinate and defecate. This grooming helps keep the kittens clean and healthy. According to AskMyCats.com, “Recent studies have revealed that specific genes regulate specific mothering behaviors in cats.” Mother cats may even neglect their own needs in order to care for their kittens. They are very protective and will hiss or fight to defend their kittens from any perceived threat. The strong bond between a mother cat and her kittens lasts several weeks until the kittens become more independent.
Domestication
Cats were first domesticated in the Near East around 10,000 years ago, as evidenced by genetic studies. Wild cats known as Felis silvestris lybica likely began interacting with early human settlements in the Fertile Crescent, drawn by rodents attracted to stored grain. Over time, humans tolerated and later encouraged the presence of cats for their skill as hunters of pests. Cats were prized for controlling mice and rats that destroyed crops and spread disease. This mutually beneficial relationship led to the domestication of cats over thousands of years. Unlike dogs that were actively bred by humans, cats largely domesticated themselves. Their adaptation from wild hunter to household companion was gradual. Today’s house cats still closely resemble their Near Eastern wildcat ancestors genetically.
Conclusion
In summary, female cats are called queens for several key reasons related to their regal bearing, independence, and maternal role. The tradition of calling unspayed female cats queens highlights their prominence in feline social structures and mythology over the centuries. Queens are solitary rulers of their territory that exhibit grace and aloofness similar to human royalty. Their ability to produce and nurture kittens also evokes queenly imagery. While the terminology ultimately stems from feline behavior and reproductive capabilities, the regal lexicon also speaks to the special stature cats have held in human civilization. By bestowing such noble titles upon them, humans elevate cats and capture their majesty through language.
