Kitten - Male or Female?

:pawprint: Hello everyone! :pawprint:

I am planning to take a kitten from my parents' pair. The mom is a pure Siamese, and the dad is a mix-Siamese (looks identical to a Havana Brown). I can't really decide whether to take the femal or the male. The female is a little more aloof and kind of "has-her-own-business" kitty. She is still affectionate and playful. She's very alert and reacts to everything very quickly - she reacts (doesn't really get scared, but looks around to see what's going on) to noises of any sort right away (while the other two kittens remain calm). She's much easier to get meowing (e.g. if you hold her in your lap and she's got her own business to take care of, things to explore). Her temperament seems to be very-very similar to her mother's. She's also larger than the other two - I guess, she was conceived first. She's absolutely stunning! :queen:

The male kitten is smaller (I guess, he's a later baby). He's not as alert as the girl - very calm. He's playful, but not as readily as the girl. He's much more affectionate - likes to sit in your lap and be petted. However, even though he's fascinated with your hands, he doesn't seem to realize that they are of a live being! He's very scratchy, and would climb your leg disregarding you screaming :(. When we needed to wash his paw (he stepped in his own poo :o), he was absolutely terrified of water (he did all he could to get away and sreamed bloody murder!). Even though feelings towards water are not as important, I wonder how scared he will be of the car, of strangers, etc. He also likes to be up high to see everything - he always climbs up to your shoulder, when you pick him up.

I have read a number of articles about the differences between females and males, but I can't really decide which would be better.
Both me and my husband are going to be working full-time. And, while we would like an affectionate kitten, we don't want him/her to be too dependent, as we won't be there for long periods during the day. Also, since we plan to neuter/spay the kitty, we don't want the playfulness to go away with that.

Does female personality change with spaying? What about the male's?
How do baby traits translate into adulthood? If the kitty is scratchy now, will he remain this way? And, if the baby doesn't like to sit in your lap, will that change with age?

I would really appreciate any advice you can give me.

Btw, they babies are seven weeks now. I am planning to leave the one we choose with the parents until 12-14 weeks (I read they grow up being a little more secure that way).

Thank you very much,

-Elena-
:ca:

From my limited experience with cats, I have noticed that my female cats are more independent then the males but also way less cuddly. Im sure it varies cat to cat though!

For you not being home all day and probably wanting some sleep at night you should consider getting 2 kittens as they will keep each other company during the day and leave you alone when they eant to play at night.

I have not noticed any playfulness leaving when cats are fixed, my mothers cat is almost 15 and still chases a string like no tomorrow!!! That is great that you are getting your kitten fixed, and you should encourage your parents to do the same:o

Sarah

I agree with SarahLynn - two might be better than either one!

I have a male, and he's very sweet and playful. He was VERY outgoing as a kitten but has recently become a little antisocial (though he will still come out whenever someone comes over and stay in the room where the action is!). He sleeps with me every night and is very affectionate.

I've never had a female cat, but my parents do - and she's very independent but also affectionate. It just depends on the kitty. Females are usually preferrable because of "marking" which would occur if you did not neuter your male (and sometimes even if you do!).

This could be an old wives tale, but I've heard that male cats get along better with female owners and vice versa. Who will be spending the most time with your new kitty? That might be a determining factor.

Otherwise, I'm sure you will be happy with either one if you don't decide to take both!

I have 3 male cats,all very affectionate and laid back.I only ever had one female and although she too was sweet,she was very skittish.
I too would suggest 2 kittens,I've never had only one cat,you'll have a great time watching them interact and this interaction will continue for the rest of their lives.

I have had 4 males and 2 females, I found the females to be more shy less affectionate, and less tolerant of all the other cats.

My males are more loving, affectionate, and greet strangers.
My youngest 2 males are brothers, and I agree with the others, 2 at the same time is great, they are so much fun to watch as they play and pounce on each other, plus the play alot at night, and if there is no other cat to play with, you become an "only" cats form of entertainment:eek: not so nice at 3AM when you have to get up for work:rolleyes: .

I think you should take both kitties. I've always had two or more and two are definitely better than one.