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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

New kittens - Boys? Girls???

46 replies

Filiboom · 21/09/2018 10:09

We are going to meet our new kittens tomorrow at a rescue centre Grin but have been told we can choose them....

I don’t really mind if we have boys or girls (I have two DSs so, on the one hand, it would be good not to be completely outnumbered, but on the other hand, I really don’t mind!). Really, I just can’t make a decision so would welcome any guidance.... The only thing I would prefer is not to have a mixed pair as they will be too little to have been neutered and whilst we will get them done as soon as they are ready, I would be paranoid about any accidents....

Any other useful kitten tips also welcome. We have no kit as I didn’t want to tempt fate so will be making a run to Pets at Home tonight!

Thank you!

OP posts:
Original poster
Filiboom · 21/09/2018 10:11

Also, in case it makes a difference, our neighbour has a male and a female grown cats. The female is a real homebody, but the male roams the neighbourhood and whilst very friendly does come home with the occasional scrape (not sure if he starts the fights or is just a willing participant!).

OP posts:
DartmoorDoughnut · 21/09/2018 10:13

I’ve had boys and girls - the boys were actually a result of my girl having an accidental litter Blush this was 12 and a bit years ago so I was a lot LOT younger and stupid! - in any case I found the boys way more affectionate (they have both sadly since died, RTA and heart problem Sad ) but that could’ve been because I’d had them since birth? Their mum is still with me and she’s lovely but just does her own thing, and the cat I had before her again did her own thing, the boys were proper lap cats and came running to greet me with the dogs when I came home ❤️

Original poster
Filiboom · 21/09/2018 10:22

See - that’s what I’ve heard about boys (and my humans ones are very lovely and cuddly!). But slightly wondering if girl kittens might be easier? I’m new to this and feeling slightly nervous! (But very, very excited.)

OP posts:
Original poster
Filiboom · 21/09/2018 10:22

Also, thank you and sorry to hear about your boys.

OP posts:
hartof · 21/09/2018 12:00

We got a boy kitten at the same time as my mum got a boy kitten, ours started off being crazy not very affectionate whilst she was very cuddly and calm and sweet. Now he's calmed down and she's crazy, shes still affectionate with family but I think she sees my mum as her mum as she left her mum too soon. She hisses and growls though and my cat has never done that. I'd choose a boy.

InglouriousBasterd · 21/09/2018 12:03

I have a girl and she’s the softest cuddliest cat in the world...that said, boys do seem to be more affectionate in general. You can’t go wrong with either!!!

percheron67 · 21/09/2018 12:05

Just to note: cats are "she" cats or "tom" cats. They are not boys or girls. The same thing applies to dogs, i.e. "dog" or "bitch". I would never trust a breeder who didn't use the correct terminology. If they cannot get the basics right who knows what other mistakes they make.

wowfudge · 21/09/2018 13:00

We have a teenage mum (now neutered) and female kitten. Mum is very affectionate and greets us, wants to sit with us, follows me and tries to trip me up on the stairs the kitten is becoming more independent and happier with bring stroked. The key is letting them come to you ime.

thecatneuterer · 21/09/2018 13:23

The sex of the cats really doesn't make much of a difference. They all have completely unique personalities. As long as you have them neutered at four months you won't have any accidents.

Original poster
Filiboom · 21/09/2018 13:31

Thanks all for all your advice! I don’t really mind what we have, but have been slightly thrown by being given a choice.... In many respects, would far rather just be presented with a pair. Really excited though and can’t wait to take them home tomorrow.

OP posts:
Synecdoche · 21/09/2018 13:46

Just go by their personalities when you meet them. Lucky you OP! 😁

Original poster
Filiboom · 21/09/2018 14:08

I know - but I’m not good at choosing what I want to eat at a restaurant. Choosing kittens sounds way tougher!

But yes, very lucky me. I’ve always wanted cats but my sister is asthmatic so it wasn’t an option as children and I never thought DH would agree. I clearly caught him at a moment of weakness though (several months ago so he’s had plenty of time to change his mind!) and am now so excited. I’m meant to be working from home today, but am mostly researching what we need for kittens (have bought nothing yet as didn’t want to tempt fate before we knew when we’d get them), between jumping up and down and grinning!

OP posts:
Cheripie64 · 21/09/2018 14:28

I have found that neutered boy cats are the most affectionate overall. I do have two girls and two boys. The girls are definitely more independent but as have got older are more affectionate they are 14 and approximately 4.

The 4 year old is an ex feral, so she is friendly on her terms, she is always around and does not go far but a bit aloof, which is to be expected.
The 14 year old is quite timid, but now wants her creature comforts, so is more affectionate now.

The two boys were very affectionate from the start.
Three are rescued from a centre at approx 8 months old. Except the ex feral that I trapped myself, two years ago now, fluffy black cat.

Synecdoche · 21/09/2018 14:46

If they are tiny they will only need a seed tray (or two) as a litter tray as they might be too small to get in and out of a big cat's tray 😊 also get lots of old curtains/towels and lay it around the litter tray to mop up any spills, scattered litter or pooey footprints!

Otherwise a few little toys (crumpled old receipts, ping pong balls, drinking straws and those fishing rod toys all popular), snuggly beds (could put inside a big cardboard box on its side with an old towel/blanket on top to make it extra snuggly and secure for them), some high quality kitten food that they're used to, heavy based food dishes (for when they want to go paddling....) and maybe a plastic place mat to put their food on when they're small and messy.

I'm so jealous!

ifonly4 · 21/09/2018 15:22

We previously had a boy and girl who appeared to hate eachother. However, after my boy was pts, my girl spent ages looking for him. She was a real home loving girl, he loved being outside (never far away). However, he had a fantastic character and in his final four years became a real attention seeker.

I asked the best combination on a forum, and there was a slight preference for boys. As it happens two boys became available, at the moment they're still young so hard to say at the moment what they'll be like when older.

If there are a couple which seem to enjoy eachothers company, that might be a good combination. If not, chose the ones you fall in love with.

ifonly4 · 21/09/2018 15:23

Meant to add, we had our boy and girl done at five months. There was no sign of sexual behaviour at that age. My boys were done by rescue at exactly four months.

Aprilshowersnowastorm · 21/09/2018 15:29

We have 2 brothers. Still play / sleep /eat side by side, they are 6 and a half!!
Have had females before but we're not as affectionate!!

MrsRubyMonday · 21/09/2018 15:43

We have three girls. One is shy but affectionate when she gets to know you, doesn't like sitting on people's laps but will sit next to you and sleeps on our pillows wrapped around our heads. One is stupidly affectionate, turns into a massive puddle of fur if she can get on your lap, licks people's hair, purrs constantly, likes to lie in the bed between us. One is a psycho, growls, hisses, hates everyone that isn't my wife, barely tolerates being in the same room as visitors, but goes under the duvet and sleeps behind my knees when it's cold. All three are playful, have their own personalities, and their own way of showing affection. Choose the kittens that speak to you and know they will likely change as they get older anyway.

Fireba11 · 21/09/2018 15:58

I've had both and it's far more about personality than gender! Choosing animals for me has always been very instinctive, and I'm not the most decisive person lol.

Wolfiefan · 21/09/2018 16:01

They’ll choose you!! Cats can always identify the right slave for them. We have tortie felines. Love them but they’re characters. I would pick boys next time. Wink

mrsm43s · 21/09/2018 16:06

In my experience, 2 toms live together more happily than 2 females. I've never had a boy/girl pair, so can't comment on that. Generally, I'd say that (neutered) toms are more affectionate, but of course, that will vary cat to cat.

Original poster
Filiboom · 21/09/2018 18:34

Thank you all! We will just see how it goes tomorrow - they will be lovely whatever they are!

In the meantime, thank you also Synecdoche for your recommendations. Off to Pets at Home now, with two very excited boys and one husband who is determined that we have a list and don’t spend too much money.... (I think he’s probably safe tonight, it’s the future that he should fear for!)

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 21/09/2018 18:35

Don’t worry. Once your new kitty overlords are at home he will be putty in their paws! Grin

Aprilshowersnowastorm · 21/09/2018 18:38

And remember to post pics or we won't believe you even have kittens!!
Grin

LexieLulu · 21/09/2018 19:29

I have recently adopted two boy kittens, one is very affectionate with me, and the other is much more independent. He will come for a cuddle but the other one would happily be attached to me 24/7.

I have only ever had boy cats growing up so can't comment on girls.

I would just go and visit and see which cat approaches you and which you instantly fall in love with?

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