I am getting a a kitten from my friend...i was wondering if i should get a male or female.?

Question

I was also wondering if i can keep it home when im at school without it scrathing my furniture....

Answer 1

Personally, I would get a boy. They're cheaper to have fixed.

Girls are great too but; I start freaking out around the time they should be coming into heat and I always worry that I won't catch them in time.

Both male or female would make a wonderful companion.

Yes, you should be able to keep it at home while you're at school. Be sure he/she has a scratching post and toys to play with while you're gone!

Congrats on your soon-to-be companion!

Answer 2

In regards as to what sex to get, I've had both. My female was independent but would periodically come around for some loving. My male kitten loves to snuggle...right up under my chin. And purr! OMG, have never heard such a loud purr in my life! All cats, if they are not fixed, can mark (spray). My older female felt threatened by the kitten and starting marking all OVER the house (very nasty smell). So far, the kitten hasn't resorted to that. Then again, my female was put up for adoption shortly after she started that, too. Just plan on getting whichever fixed. Better in the long run.

In regards to preventing the kitten from scratching your furniture, you're limited. If you have the front claws removed, that saves the furniture somewhat. Otherwise, you can buy a scratching post for the baby and whenever they use it, praise it, so it will eventually realize, "gee, this is where I'm supposed to play at." A friend of mine also put plastic covers on the corners of her furniture, which seemed to help, too.

Answer 3

I have had both female and males right now I have 2 males and a female. they are all NUTS! they play like crazy at night. if you wnat to keep your furniture get ascratching post or a rug that the cat can use and SHOW him how to use it just like you have to show them the litter box but the scratching thing everytime the cat goes to scratch on anything else bring it to the post or the carpet ( my guys uses a carlet remnant) DO NOT shoot water at them or yell it will work out this way I promise have patience and don't forget to SPAY OR NUETER (esp if you choose a male), if you don't want him spraying and stinking things up but do it early.. some folks may discourage you & may say the male will still spray anyway and it is always a possibility that he can still spray but its a very very LOW low one I haven't had it happen yet.. AND PUHLEESE THERE IS no need FOR A FEMALE TO HAVE "AT LEAST ONE LITTER" more cats this world does not need b/c there are not enough people who want them or they want them then they grow up and out they go NO GOOD you take an animal in for LIFE buddy in my book! and remember theres plenty of low cost clinics nowadays and most local humanes and shelters will do it for a little less if you can show need. I am done preaching its just I love animals.

Answer 4

The important thing is to get your kitten spayed/neutered as soon as possible. You don't want to contribute to the population of kittens that are put to sleep because there are not enough homes for them. Your local animal shelter will spay/neuter your kitten for a very reasonable charge. Your kitten will also be healthier and a better pet for you. Get a scratching post for the kitten so it can scratch on that instead of your furniture. Also toys should keep it occupied. If you should get two kittens then they will never be alone, they will always have someone to play with so they will never be lonely. Also you will be so surprised at how entertaining their antics are when there are two!!!! By the way, congratulations!!!

Answer 5

It depends on the 'tude you want. Male cats are more affectionate, while females tend to be a bit more aloof and only accept affection on their terms.

Be prepared for some scratched up furniture during the training period. Here is a good article on training:

http://www.perfectpaws.com/scratch.html

And not all males spray! Some people....anyways, we adopted our male when he was 2 years old and fully intact. He NEVER sprayed. We had him neutered....he's never sprayed.

And being a male doesn't matter....because females can spray for territory, too.

Answer 6

I've had a female & a male cat.

I prefer the male cats -- they're so much more calm & loving. Female cats are extremely loving as well, but they're just so damn jumpy!! My girl cat would run and hide if someone came over, where my male cat will run up to greet people. (Plus, I've had my male cat for almost 5 years now, and NEVER had a problem with him spraying or anything)

As for the scratching, you can either go for the declawing, scratch posts or they do sell caps that go over their nails too. I didn't get mine de-clawed, I just trim them when they get a little too long.

Answer 7

Male or female doesn't matter, getting them fixed does matter. Because like the people said boys pee and girls make all kind of noise when they go in heat. As far as the scratching. Buy a "super scratcher" from Walmart (card board box thing) they love 'em, show him how to use it scratch on it with your finger nails and put him on there... he won't scratch anything else... or you could keep him confine in a room that he could do little damage to until you can train him.

Answer 8

My grandmother had both male and female cats. Strangely, she was able to toilet train the male cats better than the female. One of her male cats, aptly named Garfield, could sit on the toilet bowl to 'do his business' and he meows really loudly when he's done. So my grandmother knows when to pull the toilet flush.

When my grandmother had a female cat, the cat ran away for a couple of weeks and came home pregnant. When the house became overcrowded with cats, my grandmother had to give a couple of kittens away. The mother cat turned hysterical and started scratching furniture and went on a rampage.

Answer 9

I would get a female. I have a male with a condition where crystals form in his urine and block the urinary tract. They can die very quickly unless you happen to notice decreased output in the litter box --of course vet bills are expensive. I'm told that this is a fairly common ailment in male cats. I now have him on a special cat food bought only at the vet (he can't have ANY other food than this) that lacks the chemical that causes this --it works.

I think males tend to spray indoors trying to mark their territory. If I had it to do again, I'd get a female.

If you want to protect your furniture I'd get the claws removed. At least the front ones.

Answer 10

I had better luck with males - friendlier and more playful. But overall, select the kitty that seems more in tune with your personality.

Cats NEED to scratch, it's an instinct! They also place scent in their territory bc they have scent glands in their paws. You can't stop mother nature.

We used lots of scratching posts, rugs and Soft Paws which are like nail tips for your cat.

If you cannot devote enough time and have patience for a cat, consider a rat - they make great pets with less to worry about.

We've had dogs, cats and rodents :)