Top 10 facts about male cats

The mysterious male cat, what secrets do they hold in those furry little brains of theirs? Well, we’ve pawed through the Internet to collect the best facts about male cats that we could find. Don’t worry, this isn’t comparing a male cat vs a female cat. No, we’re all about the boys in this piece, so let’s talk all about cats, specifically those who identify as cat lads. Here are some interesting facts about cats of the male persuasion.

Top 10 facts about male cats

1. Are male cats more affectionate? Yes!

This is still up for debate, pet people! Of course, every cat is different and has its own unique personality and life experiences. We know there are both male and female cats out there who will never say no to a snuggle. But! But. There is a common trait in male cats for them to form closer bonds with other male cats and be less solitary than female cats. Feral cats in colonies can often be seen with groups of other male cats sitting next to each other, nose bumping, bunting, and trilling to one another, while female cats prefer to be alone.

So, when it comes to cat and human time, it’s been known for boy cats to make more of an effort to create bonds with their people. They’re also less likely to be skeptical of strangers and more open to new interactions than girl cats.

2. They are very rarely calico cats or tortoiseshells

Calico cats and tortoiseshell-coated kitties all share a similar gene mutation which can only be carried through the female X chromosome. In non-scientific terms, it means these patterns are rarely male and, if they are, those male cats are born sterile. It’s believed only 0.01% of tortoiseshell and calico cats are male!

3. Male cats are more likely to use urine marks

One of the less charming and appealing behaviors found in male cats is the way they mark territory in and around their home. And this isn’t exclusively on the paws of outdoor cats, oh no! Boy cats are known to be far more territorial than female cats, with much larger territories and aggressive behavior towards trespassing cats. One way to outline their land is through urine marks. Unfortunately, all cats are capable of spraying, but unneutered males are the most likely culprits.

Cats will often leave urine marks when they’re moved to new places, if unknown objects are added to their home, or if they feel their territory is being threatened at all. Stress and anxiety can also cause male cats to spray urine marks - trust us, you’ll smell it before you see it.

4. Unneutered male adult cats are called “Toms” or “Tomcats”

As always, the origins of where this nickname comes from, one popular theory is from a children’s book published in 1760 called The Life and Adventures of a Cat a boisterous male cat called Tom as the hero of the story.

Related article: What are tomcat cheeks?

5. They’re more likely to be left-pawed

The cat brain is a mystery in and of itself, however, one thing we do know is that male cats tend to have a preference for their left-hand (pawed) side. On the flip side, the average female is mostly right-pawed. Why? We don’t know why, but it’s definitely something you can safely try at home with your kitty. Bat a toy towards them several times and see if they use the same front paw each time.

6. Orange tabby cats are mostly male

This has a similar explanation as to why most calico cats and tortoiseshells are female. The gene that creates the orange tabby coat is mostly associated with the male Y chromosome, meaning it’s mostly boy cats who end up with this pattern. However, it’s not as uncommon to find female orange tabby cats - about 20% of these colorful coated cats are female.

7. They have a shorter life span than the average female cat

Sadly, this is true. Due to male cats having a higher tendency to escape, wander off, and fight, it also means many of them won’t reach the same ripe old age as their female compadres. Health-wise, male cats are also more likely to develop tumors, heart problems, and kidney issues than the average female cat.

8. But, neutering male cats can prolong their life space

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion about neutering - at the end of the day, it’s the pet parents’ decision and this should always be respected. But there are a few facts to back up why most vets recommend neutering male kitties. Having the snip helps to reduce testosterone levels which can ignite their wanderlust and cause them to fight. Removing this ‘problem’ can leave them with the nicer parts of their personality, the bits that enjoy bonding with their humans at home. And from a health perspective, it also rules out the chances of them developing testicular cancer.

9. Male cats can have ‘false pregnancies’

Um… What? Yeah, apparently this is a real thing in male cats. While it’s unknown why this happens (whether it’s an evolutionary defense mechanism or a way of comforting pregnant females) all we know is it can happen. Boy cats with this syndrome will enact nesting behaviors like an expectant pregnant cat (AKA a queen) and will even experience swelling around their nipples and mammary glands.

Oh, we forgot to mention - male cats also have nipples just like females! Again, we’re not really sure why but it’s something you can check at home (if you’ve been allowed belly displayed rights).

10. Male cats are always ready to mate

Yes, frisky felines they certainly are! Some places in the Nothern Hemisphere have more outlined kitten seasons, this is often dictated around when female cats are ready to mate. As for their male counterparts, well, they’re ready to go at any time! This is why many unneutered males have a habit of wandering off - if they catch the scent or sound of a fertile female, they can travel well over a mile to find her!

Did we miss any other marvelous male cat facts? Share your thoughts and experiences with Tomcats on our Community Forum - connect with other pet people to spread your wisdom and share the love. Everyone is welcome, including those who aren’t members (yet). If you yourself are curious about becoming part of our global pet-loving community, take a look at our different membership options to see which one could suit your style best.