20 Interesting Female Cat Facts That Will Surprise You

Introduction of female cat facts🐱

Cats are amazing creatures that have captivated humans for thousands of years. They are intelligent, independent, and adaptable to different environments. But did you know that female cats have some unique traits and characteristics that make them even more fascinating? 

In this blog post, I’ll share some of the most interesting female cat facts, from their genetics and behavior to their names and history. Whether you are a cat lover, a cat owner, or just curious about these furry felines, you will surely learn something new and surprising about female cats and girl kitten facts.

The Legacy of the Oldest Cat in the World🐾

The oldest cat ever recorded was a female named Creme Puff, who lived for 38 years and 3 days. She was born on August 3, 1967, and died on August 6, 2005. She lived with her owner, Jake Perry, in Austin, Texas. 

Perry also owned another cat named Granpa Rexs Allen, who lived for 34 years and 2 months, making him the second-oldest cat ever. Perry attributed their longevity to a diet of bacon, eggs, broccoli, coffee, and cream. Creme Puff’s record has not been broken yet, and she remains the oldest cat in the world.

The Intriguing Genetics of Multi-Fathered Litters🐾

Female cats can have litters with multiple fathers. This is because they are polyestrous, meaning they can go into heat several times a year and ovulate multiple times during each cycle. 

This allows them to mate with different males and produce offspring with different genetic combinations. A litter with multiple fathers is called a heteropaternal superfecundation. This phenomenon is common in cats, and it can result in kittens with different colors, patterns, and sizes.

Read Also: Top Interesting Cat Facts

Right-Pawed Prowess: A Dominant Trait in Females🐾

Did you know that cats have a paw preference? Just like humans are either right-handed or left-handed, cats tend to favor one paw over the other when performing tasks such as reaching for food or toys. 

Studies have shown that paw preference is linked to gender and hormones in cats. Female cats are more likely to be right-pawed, while male cats are more likely to be left-pawed. This is because the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body and vice versa, and the right side of the brain is associated with female hormones such as estrogen. Right-pawed cats are also more confident and assertive than left-pawed cats.

The Secret to Their Longevity🐾

Female cats tend to live longer than male cats. The average lifespan of a domestic male cat is about 12 years, but female cats have an average lifespan of 12-15 years. There are several factors that contribute to their longevity, such as spaying, diet, lifestyle, and genetics. 

Spaying reduces the risk of diseases such as mammary cancer and uterine infections in female cats. Diet plays an important role in maintaining a healthy weight and preventing obesity-related problems such as diabetes and arthritis. 

Lifestyle factors such as indoor living, regular veterinary care, and enrichment activities also help extend the life span of female cats. Genetics can also influence how long a cat lives, as some breeds are more prone to certain health issues than others.

The below table shows the average weight, lifespan, and litter size of Female cats of different breeds:

Important Note: These are just averages, and the actual weight, lifespan, and litter size of a cat can vary depending on a number of factors, such as genetics, diet, and exercise

 The Trio of Terms: Unique Nicknames for Female Cats🐾

Female cats have three different names depending on their age and reproductive status. A young female cat that has not been spayed or given birth is called a kitten. 

One of the the interesting female cat facts is that the mature female cat that has been spayed or given birth is called a cat or a molly. A pregnant or nursing female cat is called a queen. These terms are used by cat breeders and enthusiasts to distinguish between different types of female cats.

The Colorful World of Female Tortoiseshells and Calicos🐾

Tortoiseshell and calico cats are a marvel of nature, and they are almost exclusively female. Tortoiseshell and calico cats are renowned for their striking coats, which feature a mosaic of two or more distinct colors. This captivating display is a result of their genetics. 

These cats typically have two X chromosomes, which carry the genes responsible for coat color. Unlike males with one X and one Y chromosome, females with two X chromosomes can possess a combination of colors due to a phenomenon called X-inactivation.

Tortoiseshell cats exhibit a mix of two colors, usually black and orange, creating a captivating patchwork appearance. Calico cats, on the other hand, add white to the mix, resulting in a three-color mosaic. The precise pattern and arrangement of colors vary from cat to cat, making each one a unique work of art.  

Early Maternity: Pregnancy in Young Cats🐾

Cats, like many other mammals, can become pregnant at a young age. Female cats can reach sexual maturity surprisingly early, often as young as five to six months of age. This means that they can become pregnant shortly after entering their first heat cycle.

The first heat cycle, or estrus, marks the onset of a cat’s reproductive capability. During this period, a young cat exhibits behavioral changes, such as increased vocalization and restlessness, to attract potential mates. It’s important for cat owners to recognize these signs and take appropriate measures to prevent unplanned pregnancies. 

Also Read: Are Black Cats Smarter Than Other Cats?

Female Cats Live Together in Colonies🐾

Unlike most wild cats, which are solitary hunters, domestic female cats can form social groups called colonies. These colonies are usually composed of related females and their offspring. Female cats in colonies are known as queens, and they cooperate to raise their kittens and protect them from intruders. They also groom each other and rub their bodies to exchange scents and reinforce their group identity.

Bella: Most Popular Name in Female Cats🐾

If you have a female cat named Bella, you are not alone. Bella is the most popular name for female cats in many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. The name means “beautiful” in Italian.

Female Cats Are 2 of the Top 3 Richest Pets🐾

You may have heard of Gunther IV, the German Shepherd who inherited a fortune of $500 million from his grandfather Gunther III, who was the beloved pet of a German countess. Gunther IV is the richest pet in the world by far, but did you know that the second and third richest pets are both female cats?

The second richest pet is Nala Cat, a Siamese-tabby mix who has more than four million followers on Instagram. She is an influencer who has made her money from endorsements, merchandise, and book deals. She has a net worth of $100 million.

The third richest pet is Olivia Benson, one of Taylor Swift’s three cats. She is named after a character from Law & Order: SVU, and she often appears in Swift’s social media posts and music videos. She has a net worth of $97 million.

Molly: A Special Term for Neutered Females🐾

You may have heard of tomcat as a term for male cats, but did you know that there is also a term for female cats? The generic name for female cats is Molly. This name can be used for any female cat, regardless of her age or reproductive status.

Molly is also the name given to a female cat that has been spayed. Spaying is a surgical procedure that removes the ovaries and uterus of a female cat, preventing her from getting pregnant and reducing the risk of certain health problems. Spaying also eliminates the behavioral changes associated with heat cycles, such as vocalizing, spraying, and roaming.

However, there are also other terms for female cats that depend on their developmental stage or breeding purpose. For example, a female cat that is in heat or has given birth is called a queen. A female cat that is purebred and used for breeding is called a dam.

The Life-Extending Benefits of Spaying for Female Cats🐾

Spaying is the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus in female cats. It is a common procedure that has many benefits for both the female cat and the owner. Spaying prevents unwanted pregnancies and reduces the number of homeless cats in shelters and on the streets. 

Spaying also eliminates the heat cycles in female cats, which can cause stress, anxiety, and behavioral problems such as spraying urine and vocalizing loudly. Spaying also lowers the risk of ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, mammary cancer, pyometra (a life-threatening infection of the uterus), and other reproductive diseases in female cats. Spaying can also increase the lifespan of female cats by up to 40%.

Female cats are more vocal than male cats🐾

There is some evidence that female cats are more vocal than male cats, especially when they are in heat or want to attract a mate. Female cats can make a variety of noises, such as meowing, yowling, chirping, trilling, and purring, to communicate with their owners or other cats. 

Some breeds, such as Siamese, Oriental, and Turkish Angora, are known to be more talkative than others. Male cats can also be vocal, but they may use vocalization more for territorial or aggressive purposes, such as warning, hissing, or growling. However, the level of vocalization may also depend on the individual personality, age, health, and environment of the cat.

Female cats are more resistant to disease than male cats🐾

Female cats have some advantages over male cats when it comes to disease resistance. For example,

• Female cats are less likely to develop urinary tract infections or blockages than male cats.
• Female cats are less likely to develop certain cancers or infections related to their reproductive organs if they are spayed at an early age.
• Female cats are less likely to contract feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or feline leukemia virus (FeLV) than male cats because they are less likely to roam outside or fight with other cats.

Female cats are more likely to be a good parent🐾

Female cats are more likely to be good parents than male cats as female cats are the ones who give birth to and raise kittens in nature. Female cats have maternal instincts that help them care for their offspring. They can provide milk, warmth, protection, grooming, stimulation, guidance, and socialization to their kittens. Female cats can also teach their kittens how to hunt, play, communicate, and behave. Therefore,

• Female cats are essential for the survival and development of kittens.
• Female cats are responsible for the majority of parental duties.
• Female cats are capable of being good parents.

Famous Wrong Facts About Female Cats🐱

Female cats are more likely to be loved by their owners🐾

This is subjective and cannot be proven true or false. Both male and female cats can be loved by their owners for various reasons. Some owners may prefer one gender over the other due to personal preference or experience. 

Some owners may love their cats regardless of their gender because of their bond or attachment. Some owners may love their cats for their unique traits or qualities that make them special. 

Female cats are more playful than male cats🐾

This fact is not necessarily true. Both male and female cats can be playful, social, and affectionate with their owners and other animals. However, some factors may influence the playfulness of cats, such as their breed, temperament, energy level, and spaying or neutering status.

 Some breeds, such as Maine Coon, Siberian, Japanese Bobtail, and Abyssinian, are known to be more playful than others. Some cats may have a more laid-back or independent personality than others. 

Some cats may have more energy and curiosity than others. Some cats may become less playful after being spayed or neutered due to hormonal changes. Therefore, the playfulness of cats may vary depending on the individual cat rather than the gender.

Also Read: 10 Reasons Why Cats Are Smarter Than Dogs

Female cats are more trainable than male cats🐾

This is also a wrong fact. Both male and female cats can be trained to learn various tricks and behaviors, such as sitting, high-fiving, fetching, using a litter box, or wearing a harness. 

However, some factors may affect the trainability of cats, such as their breed, intelligence, motivation, and relationship with the trainer. Some breeds, such as Bengal, Savannah, Ragdoll, and Scottish Fold, are known to be more intelligent and trainable than others. 

Some cats may be more motivated by treats or praise than others. And some cats may respond better to positive reinforcement and gentle guidance than others. Therefore, the trainability of cats may depend on the individual cat rather than the gender.

Female cats are more likely to be polydactylous or have extra toes🐾

This fact is totally false. Polydactyly (having extra toes) is a genetic trait that is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. This means that a cat only needs one copy of the gene from either parent to have extra toes. Therefore,

• Polydactyly is not related to gender and can affect both male and female cats equally.
• Polydactyly is not rare and can occur in any breed or population of cats.
• Polydactyly is not harmful and does not affect the function or health of the cat unless there are other deformities or complications.

Female cats are more likely to be used as therapy cats🐾

Not mostly female cats, but both male and female cats can be used as therapy cats, which are cats that are trained and certified to provide emotional support, comfort, and companionship to people who are in need of physical, mental, or emotional assistance. 

Conclusion

We have learned some interesting female cat facts that may surprise or enlighten you. We have discovered that female cats can be vocal, playful, trainable, resistant, therapeutic, lovable, and parental.

However, we have also realized that these characteristics are not exclusive or definitive of female cats and that male cats can also share or exhibit them. Therefore, we have concluded that female cats are different and unique. I hope you have enjoyed this blog and learned something new about your feline friends.

FAQs