Is there much difference between malel and female neutered cats?

[Alambil]

Just wondering really; getting a cat (soon as, hopefully) and wondering whether to get male or female.

Any opinions on behaviour differences - who is "kinder" / more sociable or is it all in the upbringing?

Do male cats spray once neutered?

Are they THAT much bigger than girls?

Any answers appreciated!

MALE obviously (in title!)

I'm no kitty expert but I have a female neutered sometime before I got her aged about 4 and two males - one neutered as a kitten, the other at about 3yo. I would say their individual temperament matters more once their neutered. One of my males (the one neutered as an adult) has sprayed twice to my knowledge both when really stressed (by house renovations). The girl kind of rules the roost really most of the time.

The tom who was neutured as a kitten is about half the size as the one that was neutered at about three but gets into the most fights.

I could go on and on about their dynamics. I'm a total cat bore. I would also say although their upbringing has a lot to do with it they do change over time. My female cat was utterly antisocial when I got her (she was about 4). She would leave a room as soon as I entered it. Now she would like nothing more than my tickling fingers at her permanent command. Really soft with the baby too.

If your children are young I strongly recommend getting your cat(s) from the cat protection league. We got two (male) cats from them last year and they are absolutely perfect for a family. They come and interview you first and you tell them about your family and they find a cat to fit your requirements!

oh yes CPL definitely. I got mine from the RSPCA and they knew nothing about the cats and the only question they asked about me was do you live near a main road. I was a bit at their indiferrence to be honest. CPL seemed much better, with little stories about each cat and what sort of family it needed.

if your children are under 5, most cat rescue centres will only let you have an adult cat.

I find males are more friendly but maybe it is just my beautiful cat (maine coon?) that i got from the RSPCA just had a crappy time before we got her?

My boy cats have always been very affectionate but i have had them from kittens.

Ime, boy cats are friendlier. Our late, lamented mog, Orlando, had a terrible start in life, caught in a mink trap, but he was the cutest cat you could imagine.

In general the males are going to be more people cats and the females more independant, but it is as with everything there will always be a few who do the opposite! I would just go with a rescue cat and one that really just appeals to you when you meet him or her.

Gree with previous posters-bouys (without balls ) tend to be soppier.Doesn't mean all females are nasty but IME boys are less stand-offish.
All cats are lovely though IMO.

Females hunt more in my expereince. Ours are always bringing in mice and birds.