choosing gender

Hi,

Great website. We are in the midst of choosing our cats.

Our family has not had cats for several years and we are
excited about welcoming them into our family.

We would like to get two cats. Is there a gender preference that works best together?

And which age? Should we be getting 2 kittens, or 6 months or 1 year?

RESPONSE

Thank you for the compliment regarding our website! And congratulations on your upcoming new arrivals!
It is good that you want to get 2 cats at the same time. It makes the transition easier for them and more fun for you!
Regarding gender, we are assuming that they will be spayed or neutered before you get them or as soon as they are old enough! Keeping 2 sexually mature cats is just asking for trouble regardless of gender.
Some people swear that females are better and others swear that males are the better gender. Personally, we enjoy having both!
Some feel that males are more playful and outgoing than females and that females are more snuggly and affectionate.
We have found that this is not necessarily true. Our most affectionate cat is Murry who happens to be male. Our least friendly cat is Ernie who is also male. The twins, Molly and Wally, a female and a male, are equally affectionate with us, each other, and the other cats.
Chloe, a female, tends to pick on the other cats the most, but Buddy, a male, can also be a terror to the other cats.
And Heidi, a female, is best buds with Louie, a male - they are usually found together! (The unique thing about this is that they are not siblings and are a year apart in age!)
The boys tend to get in the noisiest, most rambunctious scuffles with each other but the girls get into some big tiffs as well.
Both genders will snuggle and groom each other equally.
Some will tell you that males are prone to spraying but females will do it too. As long as they are not allowed to reach sexual maturity this is usually not a problem. We have had spraying or inappropriate urination problems with both sexes and it did not develop because of gender. The problem was always due to other issues.
As long as they are spayed and/or neutered, gender is really personal preference.
There are a few things that may influence your decision however. We recommend you look for the following:
1) Siblings usually tend to get along better than non-siblings so try to get 2 from the same litter, or non-siblings that have been together a while. Observe them for a while and try to choose 2 that seem to like each other. Do they seem to follow each other around, play together, groom each other? These are positive signs that they will continue to get along together.
2) Under 6 months is usually better but keep in mind that they will need more frequent feedings (up to 4 times a day) and you will need to "kitten-proof" the house. If they will be alone all day from the beginning, you may be better off getting an older pair.
3) Look for kittens or adolescents that have been well socialized and are not afraid of people. They should have a healthy curiosity about you and allow you to pet them. If they hiss at you and/or run away, they will require more effort to socialize and, depending on age may never get friendly with you.
4) Make sure they are healthy. Their eyes should be bright and clear and they should show an interest in their surroundings. Bring a fishing pole type toy with you and observe their actions as you move it around. Do they watch it intently? Try to grab at it? If so, these are good indications that they are healthy and playful. Test their hearing by crinkling a piece of paper behind them or to the side. They should turn their head and/or move toward the sound. Toss the crumpled paper ball for them to chase. This isn't really a test, it's just fun!
5) Pick them up and see how they tolerate being handled. Some of the friendliest cats we know just hate being held - love being petted but not held. Others love being held and would have us pick them up and carry them around all day if they could! If you are wanting a lap cat, make sure they tolerate being held. If they squirm and try to get away, chances are they will not make good lap cats.
Choose your new little ones based on personality. If there is one that just gives you that "I gotta have it" feeling, and don't worry about gender. Just pick out a good buddy for him or her!
Whatever you choose, give them lots of love, attention and good food. Chances are they will fit in just fine!

Donna
House Full Cats Mom

PS: This is just our personal opinion. If there are other out there that have some feelings of their own regarding gender, please share your comments with everyone. Remember, it's free and easy to do! (And, of course, you can remain anonymous if you wish!) All comments are welcome! Help these people to choose a pair of furry friends for their family!