My neighbour found a cat and 4 kittens in her back yard. The babies are about 4 weeks old and so cute. Anyway, we are going to send them all to the shelter so they get the best care and protection. I am going to take one of the kittens when they are weaned. My question is, which sex of cat would be better? I am looking for a cat that is tolerant of kids (mine are 7 and 10), loving, quiet and playful. It will remain indoors also. Thanks for any opinions.
Lori
Both male and female are wonderful and loving pets. I have both a male and a female and I would never part with either of them. However, I think if I had no cats and could only choose one cat I would pick a male. The male cats I have had spend more time in my lap and playing and interacting with me and family members and friends. (08/18/2005)
I've had male and female cats, and my favorites, by far, have been the males. They have been more loving, playful and just plain good-natured than the females. Something else to consider when choosing a cat is the cost of spaying or neutering. As a rule, female cats cost more to desex, but females that aren't spayed won't spray like unneutered males usually do; however, female cats can get pregnant, so I get both desexed. Have fun, whichever you choose.
Terry from Chilli, OH (08/18/2005)
By terry
Male, I have two males and they are the sweetest things. They cuddle all the time, and if neutered you don't have to worry about spraying. (08/18/2005)
By Sheri
I agree that both male and female are great. I think the main thing that makes a cat a good pet is to spay or neuter. Since your cat will be mainly a housecat, this is especially important. This may seem like a lot of money now, but many areas have organizations that will help with the cost. This is one of the kindest things you can do for your pet, and will ensure that whether you choose male or female, your cat will be a happy pet. Best wishes, and hope you have many years with your kitty. (08/18/2005)
By Paula W.
I've had cats in the house for 20 years, both male and female. My advice is female. My male cats always seemed in competition with baby for "Mom's" attention. They were never mean, just competing for lap time, etc., and prefer Mom's touch to children's play. My female cat is the one that tolerates the occasional party hat or doll dress or stroller ride. She totally accepts being swaddled by my 7 year old.
Most important is to teach the children as soon as you get the kitten, how to touch a cat, and how to read a cat's signals; ears laid back, violently swaying tail, all signs that kitty does not want to play right now. Also, monitor kids with pets; our cats are more willing to tolerate our childrens' "loving" when they are allowed to leave when tired of the game.
I currently have 3 males and 1 female. The 7 year old can only routinely carry the female around; she can occasionally pick up 2 of the males, although 1 nips at her frequently. The baby is only "daddy's" cat; not even I can pick him up. When he wants his loving, he comes to us. No holding allowed.
They do have personalities. Help your cat bond to the child(ren) by having kids take part in feeding ritual. Nothing says I love you like fresh food and water. Desexing is not an option in our household, just do it. Good luck with your new pet, whichever you choose. (08/19/2005)
By slw1299
I have had both male and female cats. I usually have indoor female and outdoor male cats.
Currently I have one of each inside. I have found that the female is much more tolerate of guests and children. And the male only loves mommy. He will watch guests, but not approach them.
However I have found that when it comes to the litter box. I prefer males. If a female cat is upset with you in any way she will usually take it out on you by using the litter box anywhere she pleases. And she will usually "please" somewhere that is important to you (a shoe, clothes, your middle of the floor, etc.) the male always uses the litter box, even if I have been a bad mommy and it has gone a little long between cleanings.
All in all, I agree with the person that said, a lot has to do with upbringing. If they are used to children and grow up with children they are usually good with them. I had a "tom" cat when I was a child, the meanest cat on the street. He was always getting into fights and just prowling all around. And my parents have pictures of me (age 5) with Charlie wearing a red polka dotted dress and one with me holding him up by his tail. He never scratched me or even got mad, he would leave when he was done playing house. (08/19/2005)
By Virginia
I've had both, and currently have 2 females and 4 males. I live in the country, 4 of them were abandoned. The older ones are fixed, the young ones will be in the next couple of weeks as they are just coming of age. With the three kittens I found, they were so young I had to bottle feed them, so they see me as "Mommy".
The two males are louder, play harder, and demand more attention and affection. The female is laid back, she is much more cautious and doesn't knock everything down off my shelves and tables like the males do, she is very careful of what she does and where she steps. She is less vocal than the males. The female will hold a grudge against my husband if she "gets in trouble" for doing something "bad" like eating my plants. And all he does is pick her up and tell her "No, bad cat, don't eat the plants" and put her somewhere else in the room. But, oh how she will not sit or even look at him for days afterward. It is actually quite comical.
The males seem to forget being in trouble within seconds of it happening, they are already off on a new adventure. I have to feed my female apart from her brothers, as they will push her out of the way and eat their food and hers, and she will not try to get in front of them when they do it. They all love to cuddle and play with their toys, the boys will playfight each other, while the female gets her pretend flower and carries it around in her mouth and tosses it in the air and plays with it by herself.
If you want a cat who is always around, follows you everywhere and is totally all over guests, then a male is a good choice though they can be a little more work. If you want to have a cat that is calm, (as long as she is fixed) and independent, a female is a good choice though they are a bit moody. But I love all of mine equally, as it does have a lot to do with individual personality more so than sex, I think. (09/09/2005)
By Crazy cat lady
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