Expert Q&A

I am an adult male contemplating getting another cat after my 21-year-old Pogo recently passed away. Would a female cat react differently to male visitors in my home than to female visitors?

BY: The Daily Cat experts

Some pet experts believe that cats react differently to male versus female visitors. Dr. Jon Bowen, director of the behavioral medicine referral service at Royal Veterinary College, thinks that while the differences are minimal, “some cats are more aggressive toward men or children.” In his book Behaviour Problems in Small Animals: Practical Advice for the Veterinary Team, Bowen adds that cats may also react differently according to the clothing of the individual in question, as well as “what the person is carrying and how they are moving.” It’s even been said that certain smells and colors can lead to reactions -- both good and bad -- in cats.

Women may get an edge just because they tend to have quieter, higher-pitched voices that better match those of cats. Female cats may also be a bit more wary, as they have evolved to be protective of themselves and their kittens. By the same token, female cats can also be quite loyal and devoted to their owners -- men or women.

Overall, much has to do with who and what the cat has been exposed to in the past. In large part, we learn based on our past experiences. Since you are a male who has already raised a cat to the advanced age of 21, any cat in your household will most likely respond very well to male visitors -- especially those who remind your cat of you.