Wanting to get a new cat/kitten - is there any pros/cons for male v female?

[mel_cur]

I was thinking of getting another cat since our little Mojo (male) passed away a few years ago. Dh always says to get a male for some reason because he heard you had issues with females. Either cat would be desexed so I wasn't sure what any other issues would be?



Any pros/cons to either sex of a cat?

[nickle730]

I have always had female cats as all the male cats I have known, even desexed, spray. They shoot a stinky fluid out of glands near their anus (I think that's the story!) to mark their territory. My sister had a cat who did it all over the house - eeewwww. I think males tend to wander and fight more than females also, although desexing them improves this.

[Dansta]

males tend to be more affectionat then females - but females are often better at catching mice.
We had a male cat who had alot of UTI's and males are more prone to crystals in the urine - thanks to their water works. DH has had a few cats and said he's has more issues with the males then the females.

[Starfish]

I've had both males and females and I haven't found any differences once they are spayed or neutered. Each cat is its own individual.

[Rowellen]

We've had one of each & they were both great. Both were desexed. We got them both as kittens at the same time and they were good friends. At first the male was more affectionate but I think that was because the female may have been treated badly before we got her. When our male cat passed, the female became a lot more affectionate to us.

[mel_cur]

males tend to be more affectionat then females - but females are often better at catching mice.
We had a male cat who had alot of UTI's and males are more prone to crystals in the urine - thanks to their water works. DH has had a few cats and said he's has more issues with the males then the females.

That's what Mojo dies of - an UTI that never really got better. He was only a young kitty as well and was in just didn't seem to get better

[Tanya]

I prefer male cats. I think they have a little more personality. Having said that I have one of each at the moment. My female is at least 11 years old (not exactly sure because we adopted her as an adult) and likes to sleep a lot and she doesn't like the kids much. My male is coming up to 12 months... And he is very active and very affectionate... It gets quite annoying! I am sure he will settle down soon

[dantri]

I have one of each both desexed at the same early age. There is only a year between them too (they're 6 and 7). I (touch wood) have had no trouble with spraying by either. They're purebred Burmese that I got as kittens and are inside cats. Not sure if that makes a diff.

Both are playful and affectionate but still cat like lazy bones he he. My boy tends to throw himself at ppl then rush off and keep to himself and doesn't like lots of noise and ppl etc whereas my girl is the opposite. She will sit back and watch first and will seem standoffish but is much more affectionate. She needs to know what is going on and loves unpacking shopping and parcels with me lol. She is also the one that will "nurse" you back to health if you're unwell. Doesn't leave your side. On the flip side if she is stressed she can be demanding. This is a bit of the Burmese too tho.

So for me, I'd go female. But each kitty is they're own. Good luck finding a new fur baby.


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[*LittleMissSummer*]

I find male cats (from my experience) to be much more affectionate and laid back where as females tend to be more aggressive and really skittish!

[EssTee]

I had male cats most of my life and when time came to getting another cat i went to the shelter and a beautiful female "picked" me.She was the best cat I've ever had...
not necessarily more or less affectionate than the males, but I think it was our connection that made her really special. I never had any issues with male cats spraying.
i'd say it doesnt matter so much apart from your own preference, but I'd choose a cat that would best fit in with your family and go with your gut.

[Mum2twoBoys]

If you only plan on having one, or one of each either sex would be fine. But we have two female 13yo cats, and they are territorial b***hs. They are both desexed. But we took one after my MIL passed away. There's my little rant. I don't know why but I've always preferred male cats. Only some male cats will continue to spray after being neutered.

Sent from HTC wildfire using TAPATALK, so forgive any spelling errors its a small keyboard.

[AnyDream]

I'm with EssTee - choose a cat that you feel a connection with. That's more important than gender. Having said that my cat is a female and is very affectionate, no skittishness at all. She has an amazing memory for people, it always surprises me when she emerges to say hello to friends that we haven't seen for years. Lol

[krysalyss]

My advice is to get them desexed when they are 6 months (don't wait until after that) and choose one on personality rather than sex. Generally it is good to choose one that is confident but not over bearing. If you have kids avoid ones that hide from people or show signs of anxiety like hissing. I just wanted to point that out as it is common for people to feel sorry for the ones that are scared or timid but they may require a more special home.

[dantri]

I agree with letting them choose you. Our boy was chosen for us and while we love him dearly i often wonder if he was meant for another family. Our girl on the other hand chose us without a doubt and is def meant to be part of our family.

You can get healthy kittens desexed at around 14 weeks. I got mine done then. It was very easy and recovery was very quick. I did my research and found that in healthy kittens it has no adverse affects on them. Plus you can definitely avoid any behaviours that come from early sexual maturity. If your kitten is underweight or a bit sickly though it is better to wait.

[Butterfly Dawn]

Best time i had cats was 2kittens from a Petshop choose for personality. They were from different litters but best friends. 2 was easier than 1because they can give each other everything they need. Play friend or sleeping buddy.

Sent from my Galaxy with the barefoot princess covering me in kisses, so please forgive the mistakes

[Dansta]

i agree with the "them picking you" Cougar (male) was hand reared by DH when his mum left him in the middle of the kitchen (along with two sisters and a bother) my bella was an RSPCA cat who chose us.
the two we have now was come one contacted us - and wanted to get rid of the kitten...and the mum so we kinda just took both.

[Caz_88]

Working with breeders (one of my boys is a stud) there really isn't much difference between girls and boys except for size, if they are desexed early and hormones never play a part. A lot breeders now desexed when the kitten is 1kg. which is around 12-16weeka old.

[Phteven]

Male cats are cheaper to desex but I would just get what ever cat you like the best when you rock up at wherever you're getting it from.
My cat is a female. We got her when she was 4 from the RSPCA so she came desexed and she is a fabulous cat.

ETA - bonus with a rescue cat is that they will probably be able to tell you if it will be ok with little people.