7 surprising facts you need to know about tomcats: unbelievable, but they are usually left-handed

For some inexplicable reason, large, imposing tomcats have a powerful effect on us. Once they appear, we can't take our eyes off them. We can’t help but wonder how many battles this feline colossus has seen and how many neighboring cats fear him.

Don’t get us wrong; as cat enthusiasts, we’re equally captivated by the girls too, but the unique presence of tomcats is even backed by scientific facts. Here they are!

1.) They Are Mostly Left-Pawed

Amazingly, most cats have a dominant paw. They may not be able to write—and if they could, they’d probably leave that to the dogs—but they do have a preferred paw when reaching for food, walking, or swatting at a neighbor for mismanaging treats. Interestingly, paw preference differs by gender. Females generally favor their right paw, while males lean toward the left. Around 52% of male cats are left-pawed, while 16% showed no clear preference between the two.

2.) Tomcats Have Shorter Lifespans Than Females

On average, male cats live 1-2 years less than females. But don’t worry too much! This result is based on averages, not individuals. The shorter life expectancy isn’t entirely understood, but other factors tend to have a stronger influence, such as whether the cat lives indoors or outdoors and whether it’s neutered.

3.) They Lack Paternal Instinct

Most tomcats don’t show interest in their newborn kittens. Interestingly, Siamese cats are an exception to this trait. Some Siamese dads have been known to lay with, groom, and care for their offspring. If you’re familiar with this breed, this might not surprise you, as they’re known for being among the most affectionate and gentle types.

4.) They Have a Mating Song

If you live in the countryside, you’re likely well acquainted with the sound of a female cat in heat. It’s neither gentle nor subtle, but it’s as much a part of summer nights as the chirping of crickets and the starry sky. However, it turns out that unneutered male cats have their own mating call. They produce this sound to let females know they’re available and to warn other males to back off.

5.) Most Orange Tabbies Are Male

Surprisingly, orange tabbies are far more likely to be male than female. In fact, 80% are male, and only 20% are female. This is because the gene responsible for orange fur is found on the X chromosome. (Females have two X chromosomes, while males have one X and one Y. So, girls need two copies of the gene to be orange, whereas boys only need one.)

6.) Urban Legend: They Destroy Their Own Kittens

Although rare in domestic cats, wild male cats are known to kill the kittens of other males and sometimes even their own. One reason is that the tom might confuse the tiny, wiggling kittens with prey, triggering its natural hunting instinct. Another reason could be competition—reducing the number of rivals. Or, in some cases, the tomcat may kill kittens that aren’t his in order to mate with the female and fulfill his reproductive drive.

7.) The Father’s Temperament Affects the Kittens

Yes, even if they’ve never met! Bold, confident fathers tend to have bold, confident offspring, while shy, withdrawn toms tend to have shy, withdrawn kittens. This suggests that the father’s genes have a strong influence on the kittens’ temperament.