our expert contributor, with extensive experience across numerous animal species and decades of hands-on care for exotic pets like turtles, hamsters, freshwater fish, chickens, songbirds, and parrots, brings a wealth of knowledge to this topic.
their skills also extend to intricate parrot training.
this article presents current, up-to-date information reflecting the latest veterinary research. we often observe behaviors in our pets that mirror our own, yet many of their peculiar actions remain a source of fascination.
a common query among pet owners revolves around whether cats can be classified as gay, bisexual, or lesbian.
deconstructing sexuality in felines
to address this question, we first need to understand what it means to be gay, and then consider if these definitions can be applied to cats.
for humans, sexual orientation is complex; a person can engage in heterosexual intercourse and still identify as gay, or identify as gay without ever having experienced sexual intimacy. while all species that reproduce sexually do so for the purpose of procreation, many animals engage in sexual activity for reasons entirely unrelated to creating offspring.
beyond procreation: exploring animal intimacy
for a considerable period, it was believed that humans were the sole species to engage in sexual activity for reasons other than reproduction.
however, research has since documented pleasure-seeking sexual encounters across a diverse range of species. in some instances, animals participate in same-sex interactions as a demonstration of power. this is often observed when males mount other, subordinate males as a means of establishing dominance - a behavior frequently seen among unneutered male cats.
this observation suggests that if an animal is observed engaging in any form of sexual activity, it might be doing so for the inherent pleasure derived from the act itself.
animals often seem to navigate their sexuality in response to biological cues. for instance, female cats may become receptive during ovulation, and males are drawn to the scent of an ovulating female, triggering their reproductive urges. these biological imperatives can influence their behavior.
interpreting feline interactions: instinct versus orientation
when these urges arise, and a member of the opposite sex is available, cats are highly likely to act on their impulses with that individual.
conversely, there can be instances of perceived same-sex interactions that might be misconstrued. for example, a female cat in heat will readily accept attention from a male. however, once she is no longer ovulating, she may exhibit hostility towards males for the remainder of her cycle.
if one were to only observe her behavior during these specific periods, it could lead to the erroneous conclusion that she is lesbian.
without fully understanding the underlying motivations for an animal's actions, it is challenging to definitively state whether a cat is engaging in same-sex behavior due to a preference or for other reasons.
one could argue that cats are gay if they show affection towards felines of the same gender, even if no sexual activity occurs between them. however, it's crucial to differentiate between affection and sexual orientation.
dominance, grooming, and the question of feline orientation
grooming, including the genital area, is a standard part of a cat's overall hygiene routine and doesn't necessarily indicate sexual preference.
similarly, mounting another cat of the same sex is typically an expression of dominance rather than a sexual act. ultimately, while we cannot definitively ascertain if cats possess a sexual orientation akin to humans, it is highly improbable that cats are truly "gay" in the human sense.
moreover, it's equally possible that the concept of a "straight" cat is also an oversimplification, as feline behavior is largely governed by instinct rather than a conscious sexual orientation.
can cats be homosexual? a closer look
while cats may occasionally engage in behaviors that appear homosexual, labeling them as "gay cats" might be an overstatement.
if these behaviors cause concern, spaying or neutering is a straightforward solution, and indeed, it is a responsible practice for pet owners regardless of observed behaviors.
understanding feline dietary habits
do you ever observe your cat rapidly consuming their food and wonder about the reason behind their quick eating?
there might be specific explanations for this behavior. the following sections explore various aspects of cat care and behavior, offering insights for pet owners.
essential cat care and health
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review summary and disclaimer
review summary disclaimer: the information presented in this article has been fact-checked by one of our in-house veterinarians.
however, this content should not be considered a recommendation, prescription, or endorsement. it is not intended to replace individual veterinary advice or clinical examinations.
by Lorre Luther · 2 months ago
jun 19, can cats be gay, bisexual, or lesbian?
vet reviewed feline sexuality facts.
one of the most common questions posed by pet owners revolves around the potential for homosexual behavior in cats.
by Christian Adams · 2 months ago
jun 19, why is my cat so clingy?
cats are frequently lauded for their relatively low-maintenance nature.
beyond the task of finding food, felines typically manage most aspects of their lives independently, including self-grooming, using the litter box, and resting. despite this inherent independence, there are instances where cats exhibit behaviors that might seem unusual or overly attached.
understanding iris atrophy in cats
iris atrophy refers to a condition characterized by the degeneration of the iris, the colored part of the eye.
the iris plays a vital role in regulating the amount of light that enters the eye and influences pupil dilation.
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celebrating pride: real-life stories of feline companionship
a heartwarming story emerged about a pair of cats who were at risk of separation, only to be reunited by a cat cafe, allowing them to celebrate pride month together.
the NEKO Cat Cafe in seattle shared this touching tale of two rescued cats on instagram, which quickly went viral, highlighting their affectionate bond.
currently, cait and vi are in the process of settling in. they will eventually be available for adoption as a bonded pair, symbolizing a profound connection.
beyond companionship: understanding pride events
while their bond might be characterized as close friendship or co-parenting, the broader context of pride season brings to light various community celebrations.
alongside traditional parades and parties, there are significant black pride marches and festivities occurring nationwide, deserving of prominent attention during pride month.
the inaugural black gay pride event took place in 1990, with dc black pride hosting its first celebration.
this event served as a catalyst for a widespread movement of black pride protests and festivals throughout the united states.
since then, numerous events have emerged across the country, dedicated to championing black rights and fostering joyful community gatherings.
if you don't see an event that sparks your interest, feel free to email us at news@equalpride.com, and we will gladly add it to our calendar.
continue scrolling to discover the remarkable black pride month events happening throughout america!
diverse pride celebrations across the us
tri-state black pride: this event features a four-day festival with electrifying parties, glamorous balls, health and wellness sessions, and dynamic performances, celebrating black culture and pride.
black pride nola: new orleans truly knows how to celebrate pride!
this black pride weekend kicks off with a mixer, followed by a black queer summit featuring panels, workshops, and insightful discussions. attendees can also anticipate a country-themed party, a community festival in armstrong park, a nightcap party with live dj sets, and a gospel drag brunch.
indy pride: this day is dedicated to honoring the history of juneteenth and celebrating the resilience and solidarity of the black queer and trans community.
upstate pride sc: on june 28, downtown greenville, south carolina, will host the black pride festival, offering a vibrant celebration of the community.
tri-state black pride: this event includes a kween and qing pageant and crowning ceremony, a pride sweet 16 party, and a festival featuring live performances, local vendors, community resources, and delicious food.
san francisco soul of pride: celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, this event will feature performances, art, and activism throughout pride weekend, showcasing the rich diversity of the black queer community.
boston black pride: organized by the lesbigay urban foundation, boston black pride spans five days and includes a pride parade as well as music and arts festivals, fostering community and visibility.
black pride la: this celebration offers a platform for the black queer community in los angeles to come together and celebrate their identity and culture.
black pride rva: the 8th annual black pride rva festival in richmond, virginia, commences with a grand party celebrating unity and culture.
the event also includes a root award ceremony at the black history museum, a day of purpose festival, a blacktopia ball, and a pride in the park celebration.
mn poc pride: this celebration highlights the intersectionality and pride of people of color within the queer community in minnesota.
queer joy and online communities
queer joy is an act of resistance.
we encourage you to join us weekly for stories that uplift, empower, and inspire. for more narratives on queer joy, click here.
one individual streams four nights a week on tiktok, dedicated to helping queer singles find love. some participants apply to be on the show, while others are selected from the live audience, allowing the host to facilitate matches.
the impact of this show is profound, with viewers finding life partners in the comments section, fostering a supportive and engaging community.
imagine speed dating combined with internet sleuthing and the drama of reality television shows like "catfish" and "maury." this innovative approach feels natural, as the platform accommodates a wide range of interactions and relationship-building dynamics.
the live queer dating show demonstrates that love can be complex and that radical joy is not only attainable but readily accessible.
dyke marches: a history of activism and community
dyke marches originated as a spirited display of solidarity, joy, and protest.
over the decades, these events have evolved into vital platforms for dyke-identifying individuals to build community and advocate against injustice. thousands of lesbians participate in marches across the country each year, advocating for visibility, justice, and community.
these events are increasingly inclusive, embracing members of the cis, trans, and nonbinary communities.
while the number of dyke marches has decreased compared to previous decades, it remains crucial to celebrate and participate in these demonstrations of pride and activism alongside the broader sapphic community.
continue scrolling to discover the impactful dyke marches happening across the nation!
upcoming dyke marches and events
long beach dyke march: dykes and their allies will gather at bixby park in long beach for the annual dyke march, a significant event for the community.
philly dyke march: on the saturday preceding philly pride, the philly dyke march commences from kahn park at noon.
the event includes a drag showcase on friday, may 30, at william way, featuring dyke-identifying individuals and their allies marching through the city.
la dyke march: led by the motorcycle group pride riders la, this march marks the establishment of the first la chapter of dykes on bikes, a significant milestone for the community.
weho pride: this event will take place on june 8 at the sal guarriello veterans' memorial on santa monica blvd.
the evening begins with a live dj set and a protest sign-making workshop, followed by guest speakers and a rally, culminating in a march down santa monica blvd.
boston dyke march: this grassroots pride event, established in 1990, features musical performances, guest speakers, and community tables preceding the main march.
nyc dyke march: commencing at bryant center on june 28, the nyc dyke march sees thousands marching through the streets to protest discrimination, harassment, and violence, while simultaneously celebrating the rich diversity of the dyke community.
san francisco dyke march: marking its 33rd anniversary, the san francisco dyke march is held on the saturday before the main pride parade.
it aims to celebrate community unity, raise visibility, and advocate for justice for dykes globally. a rally at dolores park precedes the march, welcoming allies. additionally, a "super big gay dance party" will be held on may 10 to benefit the dyke march.
sapphic representation in action cinema
from left to right: 'annihilation,' 'charlie's angels,' 'everything everywhere all at once.' fortunately, several action-packed films feature formidable lesbian, bisexual, and queer women who confront adversaries without hesitation.
if you enjoy a blend of action, thrilling fight sequences, and authentic sapphic representation, including on-screen lesbian love scenes, these action movies are sure to captivate you.
action films with prominent queer female characters
annihilation: directed by alex garland, this sci-fi action horror film follows a team of scientists venturing into a transformed section of florida wilderness affected by an alien presence.
among the women risking their lives in the quarantine zone is a foul-mouthed lesbian paramedic, portrayed by jane the virgin star gina rodriguez.
atomic blonde: in a genre historically dominated by male spies like james bond, jason bourne, and ethan hunt, mi6 agent lorraine broughton, played by charlize theron, shatters expectations.
where to watch: rent on amazon prime.
d.e.b.s.: this campy, delightfully fun film centers on a team of teenage crimefighters attending a clandestine paramilitary academy. the four teen spies—max, janet, dominique, and amy—are tasked with surveilling the super-villainess lucy diamond (jordana brewster), who ultimately develops feelings for amy.
this early 2000s gem offers a silly, enjoyable experience, with the forbidden relationship between amy and lucy being surprisingly sweet.
the craft: featuring neve campbell, sarah michelle gellar, jessica alba, and queen latifah, who plays cleo, a butch lesbian single mother.
in this action film, the women, in desperate need of money, decide to arm themselves and rob a bank.
the walt disney company's mulan: the live-action adaptation of mulan includes a subtle yet significant queer element, with fans widely interpreting the relationship between mulan and her fellow soldier li shang as having romantic undertones.
everything everywhere all at once: not only is this film a surreal, action-packed thrill ride, but its exploration of sexuality and immigrant family dynamics is profoundly moving.
the new mutants: this marvel cinematic universe film follows a group of young mutants held in a secret facility who must fight for their survival.
the superhero film features a poignant gay love story between rahne sinclair (played by game of thrones star maisie williams) and danielle moonstar (blu hunt), which forms the emotional core of the movie.
bound: while the film's tone is somewhat varied, it offers genuine lesbian representation and a pointed critique of the juvenile justice system.
power rangers: the power rangers movie made history by introducing the franchise's first queer character, trini, the yellow power ranger, portrayed by becky g.
blue is the warmest color: this french coming-of-age drama follows the passionate and tumultuous relationship between two women, exploring themes of love, identity, and self-discovery.
the half of it: this coming-of-age film features a sapphic romance at its center, offering a touching portrayal of young love and acceptance.
lesbian athletes and their unions
lesbian and sapphic athlete couples such as anna petrakova and candace parker, alongside courtney vandersloot and allie quigley, have celebrated their love with unique wedding cakes, often featuring queer symbolism.
it appears that each year, more queer women athletes find love and commit to marriage. while some prefer to keep their weddings private, others openly share photographs and videos from their ceremonies, connecting with the fans who have consistently supported them.
these stories span from teammates who fell in love while pursuing their sport, to fierce rivals who found happiness with each other, to athletes who discovered their soulmates outside the realm of sports.
these remarkable women are truly winning at both life and love.
celebrating queer love in sports
chicago sky star courtney vandersloot and former wnba player allie quigley exchanged vows in 2023, during a period when both were actively playing for the sky. this union set a record, as they became the first married couple to secure a professional sports championship together, winning the wnba championship.
madison wore a white gown with intricate lace detailing, while anya opted for a sophisticated navy blue suit for their wedding, which was set against a picturesque lighthouse backdrop.