Kitten

[Pixey53]

We are thinking of getting a kitten. Would you suggest a boy or girl kitten?

Depends. Why only one? What's your home and family situation like?

We got 2 boys as kittens. They still get on at 10 months old. They have been microchipped and neutered

I'd say male. Neutered as soon as old enough. I've had both m & f and would say that males are the more affectionate and playful. I don't know if it's something to do with maternal instincts and always 'holding something back' instinctively as a built in protective mechanism. Whereas male cats don't have responsibility for kittens and so perhaps don't have that inbuilt guard. It might be total bollocks as a theory of course.

I too have found male cats more affectionate but you MUST neuter asap.

I've got a rescue female. She's so clingy and affectionate. I think when you get a rescue they love you more cause they know how rough it can be out there but I am blatantly biased.

Yes to rescue. All of mine have been rescue (adults and kittens). Really rewarding and good to know you aren't supporting kitten farms.

Definitely need to think about whether your set up is suitable for a kitten.
Not if you have very young children.
Not if you work full time.
A slightly older cat may be better.
They can live 20 years. So a big commitment.

Female less likely to spray in my experience.

Neutered males shouldn't spray either.

2 kittens better than 1 kitten if you can afford it. Just as loving but much less hassle as they entertain themselves and keep each other company.

Don't think my 2 3 month girls could be more affectionate (and neither could the 2 older girls I had before - survivor is now 12.

However it is nice that we get a break from total clinginess and they can create their own fun and our furniture is intact

Rescue kittens are a bargain as well - ours came microchipped, neutered (done when they weighed 1kg), vaccinated all for £80 each.

Wolfie, one of my males sprayed when something changed (e.g., house move, new carpet, new furniture etc). He had been neutered early on. Neutered toms can/do spray but it doesn't have that same strong smell as an intact tom and the neutering perhaps does dull the 'urge' a bit, so they are less likely to.

His favourite trick was doing it on suitcases if we were going away. Little bugger

Ours would wee on plastic bags. But I think that was the time he had a UTI. Either sex can wee inappropriately if upset.

I'd say girl. It's always the girl cats I see that are super affectionate. My big old tom cat isn't the friendliest and still sprays even though he's neutered, wouldn't change him for the world but the girl had definitely been easier going. Gratuitous photo of my cat

Meh, one of my old girls has sprayed when upset.

And they've all weed in inappropriate places for a variety of reasons - the minds of cats are mysterious and seem to be often expressed through wee.

We have 2 brothers who are 5.
2 kittens are better than 1 if you want your soft furnishings to remain as they are. .

I would suggest two together.

aph your cat is gorgeous

Ooh I could speak to husband to see what he thinks about 2. We are getting it(them) from a friend who's cat just had a litter. I will post pic when decision is made :)

You haven't answered. Do question if your house is right for a kitten. Seriously. Small children will get scratched and can even kill a kitten.
Kittens need socialising and small and frequent meals. You can't do that if you work full time.

Sex of kitten irrelevant but as Wolfie says is your household kitten appropriate?
Do not buy online, rescue anytime.

Two can keep each other company but do think about the cost of good food, insurance, cat toys, litter trays and litter etc.

Male or female doesn't really matter if you neuter or spay as young as possible.

I am guessing OP hasn't answered as they work or day and/or have young children. In that case kittens are a bad idea.

I've got both, it really doesn't matter OP. Our boy came from a family friend's litter and our girl is a rescue. I would encourage you to get a rescue if you can, as others have suggested. There are quite a few kittens in shelters who need to be rescued....