Are male cats more loving and loyal? Studies suggest: 'Not just gender but colour....'

Are male cats more loving and affectionate to owners than female? That’s a million-dollar question which has left feline-lovers perplexed! As per a 2018 study, which investigated behaviour of cats towards kids in families found no positive correlation between gender and affection in cats. However, a 2022 survey which was conducted on 211 cat owners in Mexico discovered that male cats tended to be more “emotionally close” to owners. In an interview with Daily Paws, Julie Posluns, a cat behaviourist indicated that gender of cat owners may have an impact on feline behaviour too.

"For example, female owners tend to be more active toward their cats, speaking to and approaching them more often than men,” she said.

Some Factors Which Can Determine How Loving Your Kitty Is

According to Daily Paws, some breeds such as siamese, maine coons and ragdolls do tend to be more affectionate and physically demonstrative of their love.

Coat Colour

Believe it or not, the colour of your four-legged friend’s fur can have an impact on how loving they are! A 2022 study suggested that melanin, a pigment linked to coat and fur colour is linked to dopamine, a chemical messenger in the brain which in linked to our drive for fun activities. The study also found that ginger cats, especially male ginger cats do tend to be more friendly and calm.

Socalisation

According to Posluns, early socialization plays a crucial role in shaping a kitten’s personality. She explains that kittens exposed to both familiar and unfamiliar people before reaching 12 weeks of age are far more likely to grow into confident, sociable, and affectionate adult cats. These early interactions help them become comfortable around humans and adapt more easily to new situations.

She also notes that cats being fostered or adopted from rescue organizations often come from challenging circumstances. Some may have experienced neglect, abandonment, or limited human contact, making them cautious and hesitant to trust people initially. In such cases, building a bond takes time. Rather than expecting immediate affection, caregivers should focus on providing a calm, secure, and supportive environment. Patience, understanding, and kindness can go a long way in helping these animals feel safe, gradually gain confidence, and develop trusting relationships with their new families.