Not sure whether to get a male or female kitten...?

Question

We have a 5 y/o male Maine coon mix cat. We are soon adding a new kitten and at first I wanted a male but now am thinking it might be better to get a female. Jinx certainly runs our house so wasn't sure if another male cat is a good idea or if it really matters. Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

I have a two male maine coons and they can get very territorial so beware if you get another male. However if you get a female I would have her spayed as soon as possible. Not necessarily for mating reasons, but a female cat can go into heat as often as every two weeks for up to 4 weeks at a time until she is spayed. Fun fact lol

Answer 2

Well first of all, it depends if your male is neutered or not. If not, I highly suggest either a spayed female or a male so no unwanted pregnancies occured, but I'm sure you considered that already haha

A lot of male cats get along just fine, however before male kittens are fixed, they tend to spray and go nuts over finding a female. So if you plan on waiting a while before fixing him, go with a female. Otherwise, males and females have relatively the same territorial habits. My female is extrememly territorial and a male I know couldn't care less who entered his property, so gender in that case doesn't always mean anything.

As for female kittens, they aren't any more or less affectionate then males. If left unfixed, females of course go into heat (which can be quite an annoying experience o.O ) and run the possibility of becoming pregnant.

Also, introduce them carefully. Adult cats don't always take easily to new kittens coming into their territory, especially a territorial male. The older the cat, the harder it will be for him to accept the kitten.

Good luck with your new kitty, whatever it may be =]

Answer 3

If you get a male kitten, when the kitten feels confident enough, it will challenge the older male. If you don't want to encourage this, introduce the two males to each other slowly, and if one should attack, separate them immediately. They might take up to a month to settle down, but once the older male shows the younger whose boss (there may be some hissing and growling; you need to let this happen, as long as they do not harm each other physically), the household should run as normal.

Alternatively, if you get a female kitten, she will likely submit to the male, and you will have much less difficulties, but you still need to be careful when introducing the two. Do it slowly, and let the cats acclimatize at their own pace. Never force them to accept the other cat immediately.

Answer 4

I think that another male kitten would be trouble. The 5 y/o would try and declare dominance and probably hurt the kitten. And if you get a female kitten make sure that one or both of them have been sterilized unless you want kittens.

Answer 5

If your cat isn't particularly territorial, the gender of your kitten shouldn't be a problem, but if that is a concern, getting a female kitten may be a better idea. Of course, with two animals of the opposite sex you have to be vigilant about making sure that they are both "fixed." If you are willing to make it work and spend time with them helping them bond, the gender of your new baby shouldn't really make a difference.

Answer 6

I think a male would be better off with other males. Also, a female could have kittens someday and you will be devistated to give a cute little kitten away. Male cats are always active, and you will know that he would better off be with someone who has other male kittens to play with! Typed by a girl who understands pets!!

Answer 7

I would almost certainly advise a female--the last thing you want is a dominance issue, which could result in urination and general disharmony. As long as both are spayed or neutered, I would go with a female, and be slow and careful with introductions.

Answer 8

I think you should get a female. I have three kitties, two males and a female, and the males always get into fights.

Answer 9

I think he might accept a female easier. With another male there may be huge fights.

Answer 10

Well sometimes male cats are more affectionate, and they can spray...but if they are going to be spayed then it wont make a difference