Did you know female cats tend to be right-pawed?

We love all cats at Cats Protection. But this International Women’s Day we’re championing the female cats among us.

If you have a gorgeous girl kitty at home, let us know on Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram and share the girl power!

Here are some fascinating facts you may not know about female cats…

1. Nearly all tortoiseshell cats are female 

A cat’s genes decide their fur colour. It is extremely rare for a male cat to have the genes that give them a tortoiseshell coat. If a male tortoiseshell cat is born, they will usually be unable to breed. Find out more about why cats are different colours.

2. Mum cats are queens 

If a female cat has not been neutered then she is known as a queen. Unneutered males are called toms so only the girls are true royalty!

3. A neutered female cat is called a molly 

Once a female cat has been neutered, they become a molly. A neutered male cat is known as a gib.

4. Female cats tend to be right-pawed 

Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast observed cats as they were reaching for food or stepping over objects. They found that the female cats were more likely to use their right paw. Male cats preferred using their left. Is you cat left- or right-pawed?

5. Female cats can get pregnant from four months old 

If they’re not neutered, girl cats are ready to breed as soon as they reach puberty at four months old. It's a good idea to get them neutered at this age or younger to avoid any unwanted kittens being born. Find more advice about getting your kitten neutered. 

6. Cat pregnancy lasts for nine weeks 

Pregnancy for a cat lasts a tenth of the time as a human pregnancy, around 66 days. Plus, a female cat can get pregnant again just six weeks after giving birth. Even more reason to get her neutered as soon as possible. Find out more about cat pregnancy. 

7. Cats can give birth to a litter with different fathers 

Cats can have between one and nine kittens in a litter, although usually there are between four and six kittens. The kittens won’t necessarily all have the same father though. Female cats can mate with more than one male to produce a litter. This explains why their kittens can be such a range of colours.

Aside from these facts, male and female cats are actually quite similar, particularly if they have been neutered. Their personality is shaped by their individual genetic background and their past experiences in life, not their gender. Every cat is unique. 

If you’re looking to welcome a new cat into your life, Cats Protection has thousands of cats, female and male, looking for loving homes. Find your new best friend today.