male or female cat

Hi, I'm thinking about getting a new kitten and was wondering if I already have a five year old female which would be best a male or female as I would like them to get along. Thanks, Sandy:confused:

I'm not an expert, but I think a lot of how they get along has to do with their individual personalities. That being said, my two males are the best of buds. Not to say the females are always fighting, but they don't cuddle with each other or play as much as the boys do.

Some of the other cat parents should be around soon. They have more experience than I do and might be able to help you better.

Sandy,I would get a male,they are generally not as skittish as some females.
IMO females are more territorial.
Still,the introduction should be slow either way.

What you need to do is match temperaments, not worry too much about gender. With kittens, temperament is a bit difficult to nail down, since they're all crazy in the beginning. If you go for a slightly older one - 3 to 6 months - you'll have a better idea of what they're like.
Even if the newby is a little older, there will be a period of adjustment, a few hisses and warning swipes - at the beginning, put them in separate rooms when you're not there, just to give the cat some down time - but in the end they'll be OK. And of course #1 cat should be getting just as many cuddles and me-time as before and be able to retreat when she's had enough.
That being said, I have this idea that males and females, having different energy, are less likely to clash, but it's just a cockeyed theory, with no real basis in fact :).

Hi, I'm thinking about getting a new kitten and was wondering if I already have a five year old female which would be best a male or female as I would like them to get along. Thanks, Sandy:confused:

There really is no hard and fast rule on gender compatibility in cats. In feral colonies, females tend to hang around each other more and males are sort of the "outsiders", but in an indoor setting where all parties are neutered, the rules are different. I think a more important issue is doing a slow, careful introduction. Make sure the relationship doesn't get off to a rocky start with an overly hostile encounter.

Like ancientgirl said, you might also try to take into account your current cat's personality. Is she very playful and outgoing, or mellow, or a scaredy-cat, or a diva, etc? Sometimes getting a kitten for an older cat doesn't always work out because here you have a totally rambunctious Energizer Bunny coming in and turning the resident cat's world upside down. Naps are relentlessly interrupted and they can't go anywhere without being pounced on. If you have a diva that would look upon this behaviour with disgust, it might be a better idea to get another older cat instead, something closer to her age and energy level. Plus, older cats tend to get overlooked a lot in shelters and you'd be doing some poor soul a big favour. Kittens get adopted much quicker.

I am speaking from my experience only,I've only ever had one female cat,she had tons of Tortietude:laughing:but still a wonderful loving cat,who got along great with my 2 males.
I still believe males are more laid back and often cuddlier,but then I only ever had one female.

I agree that it depends on temperment of both kitties. So hard to say - When I got my kitten last fall I wanted a boy, but when I got "him" home I realized he wasn't one - I guess the shelter got confused :rolleyes: :shrug:

They aren't fast friends, but that's mostly because she is ridiculously hyper and he is very laid back.. Most kittens will mellow out after a year - so far not this one, but again, it depends on the cats!

I think it depends more on personality. My catuary kitties seem to have their little groups. It is not gender related. I have one couple that hang together who is male/female cousins. Another one are two males cousins. Another is two brothers. Another is two sisters. One is brother/sister. Then there are the loners. They are usually by themselves but they will tolerate others around for a while. Such diverse personalities.
My indoor kitties are still babies. The families seem to stick pretty close together. My older kitty (almost a year) has adopted the "mommy" persona. She grooms all the smaller ones, even lets them try to nurse. Not having any luck but they still try. :rolleyes:
My son and daughter just adopted two of my kittens a couple of weeks ago. They both had female cats already. Both older, both very much divas! My son's cat held out for a day before allowing his male kitten to do whatever he wants - crawling all over her, pouncing, play fighting, whatever.
My daughter's female was a harder nut to crack. It took her 4 days to start playing with the new intruder. They still have their issues but for the most part get along well.
One thing I do agree with Chico about. Male cats are friendlier than female kitties! :cloud9: Most of mine love their cuddles. The gals couldn't care less.

You confused yet? :rolleyes: :D