Your Cat — November 2017

35

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sexes

sexual maturity, it should

instantly eliminate his desires

to roam, spray, ‘sing’, and

fight with other cats.

“Castrated males make

much more suitable house

pets; they will usually be

more affectionate and

easier to handle, and

you’re far less likely to see

unwanted behaviours, such

as urine-spraying,” says Trudi.

“However, neutered males

do sometimes spray indoors,

but this is usually in response

to stress and, although not

uncommon, it’s nowhere near

as frequently seen as it is in

sexually entire males.”

FEMALE FELINES

While male cats are often

depicted as the ideal snuggle

buddies, female cats are

considered to be more

aloof, independent, and only

wanting attention from their

owners on their own terms.

Many of you will also be

aware of the slightly negative

reputation tortoiseshell

cats (who are nearly always

female) have, as they

are often referred to as

‘temperamental torties’ or

‘naughty torties’, due to their

supposed feisty natures.

Just like their male

counterparts, there is

a difference between spayed

and unspayed females,

although the difference is

a little less extreme. It should

become obvious to an owner

when a female kitten reaches

sexual maturity, as she will

start to call loudly when she

comes into season. If she is

not mated, this can occur

several times a year during

the breeding season, which

is usually from early spring

to late autumn.

Trudi explains: “Female

cats are often reported to

be more friendly when they

are in season, although some

can become more restless.

Most people are also unaware

that a female cat will often

spray when she’s in season.”

Therefore, as well as being

extremely likely to become

pregnant if allowed to

encounter an entire male,

an unneutered female

cat’s behaviour may be

problematic and harder for

an owner to deal with.

Just as with male cats,

getting a female cat

spayed is highly

recommended.

Not only will it

prevent unwanted

pregnancies and

eliminate the risk of

reproductive diseases,

it will also make her

a more manageable pet.

Trudi recommends that

female kittens are neutered

well before they’re six months

old, as some may come into

season as young as four or

five months old. However, this

is something that should be

discussed with your vet.

Did you

know?

According to Cats

Protection, there is little

difference in the time it

takes to rehome male

cats, compared to

female cats.

http://www.yourcat.co.uk

...or are girls

the greatest?

We explore

the differences

and similarities

between male

and female cats.

“Castrated males make much more

suitable house pets; they will usually be

more affectionate and easier to handle...”

34-36 YC Battle of the Sexes CSEWCCSW.indd 35 29/09/2017 09:34