17 Surprising Facts About Male Cats

There are some surprising facts about male cats that are unique to their gender. In this video, we will talk about 17 interesting facts about male cats.










They live shorter lives
As in humans, female cats tend to live for longer than their male counterparts. On average, the life expectancy of male cats is a year or two less than female cats.
Male cats are more likely to be left-pawed
Believe it or not, most cats have a dominant paw. Scientists have found that cats show a marked preference for the left or right front paw when it comes to knocking things off the table, walking down stairs, or reaching for food. Female cats tend to prefer their right paws, whereas males are more likely to be lefties.
Male Cats Have a Wanderlust
Unlike female cats who tend to stay around the home, male felines often have a more independent nature. They have an active sex drive, which means they are more likely to wander or roam for miles around to find females in heat. They are also more likely to get into a conflict with other male cats due to competition for territory and mates. Male cats are also curious. They like to explore and wander if given the opportunity.
Another offense attributed to male cats is the habit of urine spraying.
Male Cats Are More Affectionate
Although female cat lovers may argue this point, there does seem to be a widespread belief that males are more affectionate than females. A survey of veterinarians who specialize in cats ranked males as friendlier, and some studies support the claim that male cats are more affectionate than female cats.
They Have a Unique Mating Call
When unsprayed female cats are in heat and are ready to mate, they make a loud, distinct yowling sound to attract male cats. Interestingly, male cats also have their own unique courtship call known as caterwauling. They often make this sound to advertise their availability to female cats
They don’t make good fathers
Male cats aren't known for their fathering skills. Other than siring as many kittens as possible, they don’t generally show any interest in their newborn kittens.
Male cats bite the neck of female cats during mating
At one time or another you’ve probably witnessed a mama cat carrying her kittens around by the scruff of their neck. This form of transport is known as scruffing.
As adults, the only times a cat is held by the scruff is when they are attacked by a predator, or while two cats are mating.
Male felines do this to stop the female from moving as the mating process takes place.
Male cats are more prone to obstruction
Male cats are more likely to develop urinary tract blockages in their urethra. It is a painful and life-threatening condition that is extremely common among neutered male cats.
Most orange tabby cats are male
Orange tabbies are much more likely to be male than female. In fact, about 81 percent of orange tabbies are male, making orange female cats a bit of a rarity.
Neutered male cats live longer
Studies have found that neutered cats live 62 percent longer than intact males. This is because neutering prevents reproductive diseases such as testicular cancer, and neutered cats are less likely to roam. A neutered feline is also less inclined to fight for females and territory.
Male Cats Are More Solitary
In the wild, male felines are generally more solitary than females. Whilst the females may set up colonies to help each other rear their young, male cats remain on their own to avoid having to compete for food and females. In one study, researchers found that on average, male cats maintain territory three times larger than females.
Male cats kill kittens
Although it is not very common with domestic cats, male cats have been known to kill kittens, usually kittens that they didn't father.
It often happens if a feline’s hunting drive overcomes his parental instinct.
Another common reason is a feline’s competitive nature. In the wild, killing a rival's young would keep the rival from spreading his genes. It allows the killer cat to advance his genetic agenda and keep the competition from taking over.
Male cats have stronger urges for scratching
Because male cats are more territorial, they have a stronger urge to scratch furniture, doors, and things like carpets.
A Male Cat’s Personality Will Influence His Kittens
A male cat’s temperament has a strong influence on the way his kittens turn out. Research has shown that confident and sociable male cats produce confident and sociable kittens who are easier to socialize with people. Timid fathers on the other hand, produce timid kittens.
Male Maine Coons are giants
Maine Coons are the largest domesticated cat breed. A full-grown male Maine Coon can weigh up to 25 pounds
Male cats have a nickname
Unneutered female cats are called “queens”, and unneutered male cats are often referred to as “toms” or “tomcats.”
They are often named Oliver
The most popular male feline name in 2021 was “Oliver.”