Do Female Cats Prefer Male Humans?

Dealing with your cat when it’s in heat is one of the most challenging aspects of owning a cat. They will behave differently and vocalize loudly, and you may even feel sorry for them as it seems like they are in so much pain. You might have noticed that your feline prefers the males of the house and following around them more, and you may have heard that female cats in heat prefer male humans more. So is all this true? Do female cats prefer male humans? Are female cats sexually attracted to male humans during this time?

Female cats’ preferences for human companionship are highly individual and not determined by gender. Some female cats may show a preference for male humans based on positive interactions, temperament, or experiences, while others may have different inclinations. Ultimately, it’s crucial to respect your cat’s unique personality and build a strong bond based on trust, care, and consistent positive interactions, regardless of your gender. However, this does not mean your feline is sexually attracted to its male human.

In this article, we’ll delve into the world of feline preferences, the factors that influence them, and how you can build a strong bond with your female cat.

Do Female Cats Prefer Male Humans?

1 Cats’ Unique Personalities

Cats’ preferences can vary widely depending on their personalities. Some female cats may gravitate toward male humans, while others may feel more comfortable around female caregivers. It’s essential to respect your cat’s individuality and adapt to their needs.

2 The Role of Socialization

Early socialization plays a significant role in a cat’s preferences. Cats exposed to various people, including both men and women, during their critical development period, are more likely to be comfortable around different individuals. Cats that haven’t been adequately socialized may show hesitancy or fear when interacting with new people.

3 Male vs. Female Interactions

The way cats react to male and female humans can vary based on personal experiences. Some cats may have had positive interactions with males and, as a result, prefer their company.

Others might have had negative encounters and, therefore, may not be as welcoming. It’s essential to be patient and understanding, allowing your cat to dictate the pace of interactions.

Factors Influencing Cat Preferences

1 Body Language and Voice Pitch

Cats are highly attuned to body language and voice pitch. They can pick up on signals that convey safety or danger. When interacting with your female cat, maintain a calm demeanor and use a soothing voice. This can help build trust and encourage positive interactions.

2 The Importance of Consistency

Cats thrive on routine and consistency. If you want to be your cat’s preferred companion, maintain a predictable schedule for feeding, playtime, and cuddles. Cats appreciate stability and will often feel more at ease around those who provide it.

3 Positive Associations

Create positive associations with your presence. Offer treats and affection during your interactions with your female cat. This helps her associate you with pleasant experiences and increases the likelihood of her preferring your company.

Why Are Female Cats Attracted To Human Males More?- Do Female Cats Prefer Male Humans?

Generally speaking, cats don’t have a preference for their owner’s gender. In fact, it is reported that cats prefer women over men. However, the story is a bit different when your cat is in heat.

During this time, felines are more affectionate to everyone around them but are particularly more affectionate towards male humans. This is because of the cat’s ability to sense pheromones.

Pheromones are volatile organic compounds that send messages between the same species and are present in urine, sweat, and other bodily fluids. Cats have an incredible sense of smell; with 200 million olfactory receptors, felines can easily pick up on pheromones. A particularly sweaty man or a boy going through puberty releases pheromones picked up by female cats.

In the heat, they respond by being particularly affectionate towards male humans and following them around. That being said, female cats do this merely because they’re in heat, not because they are sexually attracted to male humans.

Find Out: Why Do People Hate Cats?

Why Are Cats More Affectionate In Heat?

You might have noticed that your cat is more affectionate in heat and is constantly rubbing off you and nearby objects. This is because while in heat, cats are very hormonal and need attention, affection, and a mate to release their sexual tension.

Why Does My Cat Follow Me When She Is In Heat?

For your cat, you are its provider and guardian. You are where it gets comfort, food, and water from. So during this turbulent time, she seeks you out for comfort and affection, which is why she follows you around.

Signs That Your Cat Is In Heat

The tell-tale signs of your cat being in heat are fairly obvious and right in your face, sometimes even downright annoying. Such as:

• Making loud, weird sounds
• Being very restless
• Grooming her private parts often
• Crawling low on the ground
• Making sexual positions, with her behind in the hair and tail on the side
• Urinating around the house on vertical surfaces of the house
• Loss of appetite
• Trying to go outside to find a mate
• Being affectionate with inanimate objects and male humans

Also, Check Out: When Do Male Cats Go Into Heat?

Things To Do When Cat Is In Heat

Here are some things that you can do for your feline as its owner:

1. Lots of Petting and Cuddles

Being in heat is a very stressful time for your cat, so giving her extra attention can help alleviate some of the stress she is going through.

2. Play With Your Cat

Playing with your cat is a great way to burn off some of its extra energy and help keep its mind off its desires. It is important to keep your cat physically and mentally engaged during this time. Investing in a puzzle feeder and many cat toys might be a good idea. Also, provide your cat with hiding places to retreat if she needs some downtime. 

3. Calm Her Down

There are a few ways you can calm your cat’s yowls:

• Installing a Feliway diffuser will release calming pheromones into your cat’s environment. Keep in mind that these take a few days to work, so installing them a few days before your cat is expected to go into heat would be best.
• Using L-Theanine: An amino acid called L-theanine has been found to have calming effects on both people and cats.
• Using catnip: Catnip is a natural herb that can be used for a short amount of time to calm your feline.

All the above methods can be used together to make things easier for you and your cat.

4. Keep Your Cat in a Cool Room with Dim Lighting

This will signal to her body that it is autumn or winter, which should help reduce the effects of the heating phase.

5. Free Feed Your Cat

During this time, felines lose their appetite, so leaving food out will allow them to eat whenever they feel hungry.

6. Keep Your Cat Indoors and Away from Male Cats

If you don’t want your feline to get pregnant, you will need to lock your doors and windows. Chances are that her yowling and the scent that she has sprayed everywhere have caught the attention of a few stray cats.

You will also need to keep your other male cat away from her in a separate room if you have one, as it will be very attractive to her in this phase. 

7. Talk to a vet

A vet can prescribe medication that prevents pregnancy and avoids heat cycles altogether. However, these have side effects in the long run, like diabetes and infections, so thoroughly educate yourself about these before starting your feline on these medications.

8. Get a Neutered Male Cat

If nothing works, allowing your feline to have a neutered male cat could help subside her desires without her getting pregnant.

9. Consider Getting Your Cat Spayed

Lastly, if dealing with your cat’s heat cycles is getting too much for you, and you don’t want it to have kittens, getting your cat spayed is a great option for saving her from these uncomfortable heat cycles.

How to Build a Strong Bond with Your Female Cat

Building a strong bond with your female cat is essential, regardless of her preferences. Here are some tips to strengthen your connection:

1 Spending Quality Time

Spend quality time with your cat by engaging in activities she enjoys. This could include playing with interactive toys, petting her, or simply sitting together. The more time you invest in her, the closer you’ll become.

2 Play and Interaction

Cats love playtime. Engage in interactive games and provide opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation. This not only enhances your bond but also ensures her physical and emotional well-being.

3 Feeding and Grooming

Feeding and grooming are essential bonding activities. These moments create a sense of trust and reliance. Use these opportunities to connect with your female cat and make her feel cherished.

Check Out: Why Do Cats Meow Back At You When You Talk to Them?

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether female cats prefer male humans is a topic shrouded in individuality and complexity. Cats are unique creatures with diverse personalities, and their preferences for human companions are not bound by gender. While some cats may lean towards males due to positive experiences or temperament, many others form bonds based on the quality of interactions and care they receive.

Understanding that a cat’s preferences are not governed by gender allows us to focus on nurturing strong, trusting relationships through patience, gentleness, and consistent attention, ultimately ensuring a harmonious and fulfilling connection with our feline companions.