getting a new cat?

Yay! But should you consider your new cat’s gender? Choosing a male or female cat may be based on conditions like: you already have a cat or multiple cats, or if you have small children. Another thing to help you decide the gender of your cat is your lifestyle: are you gone all day working? Maybe you also travel a lot. This is also a kitten vs. adult cat consideration.

male cats 
who are not neutered have some undesirable habits. They are very territorial and therefore spray, everywhere, to mark their territory. Their spray stains furniture, floors, upholstery and carpeting. It also smells and is nearly impossible to eliminate.

Unneutered male cats want to roam and seek out females and defend their turf: so unfixed male cats are generally more aggressive.

female cats
who are not spayed can be problematic too. Once they are in heat, they’ll howl, a lot, and seem restless and uncomfortable. She’ll want to prowl outside for a mate, and if she finds one, you’ll have a litter of kittens to take care of. Sounds fun, but just go to the animal shelter nearest you to see how many kittens already desperately need homes.

altered cats
This is a crucial consideration: both neutered males and spayed females tend to be more affectionate and relaxed. Neutred males often tolerate being handled better than spayed females, so if you have small children, perhaps a fixed male is best. Another reason to go to an animal shelter to find your wonderful new cat is because most, if not all, animal shelters spay and neuter stray or unfixed abandoned cats as a policy. As mentioned before, if you are gone from home frequently, select an older, mellower cat (or even better, two cats) and there are so many at our shelters.

Animal shelters have lots of adorable kittens too. Maybe you spend enough time at home to socialize and play with your new kittens. Then you, your family and your kittens will be happy. Small kids and kittens are terrific playmates.

choosing male or female cat for your existing cat 
assuming we’re talking about adults cats, the general conscencious is that the new cat should be younger than your cat who is already living with you. Also, adopting a cat of the opposite sex is typically recommended. An exception may be young (fixed) males because they can play together, especially if they like to roughhouse. As far as kittens are concerned, being littermates is probably more important for their development than choosing kittens based on gender.

think about choosing a male or female cat, but don’t hesitate to go to your local animal shelter to decide.