Male or female

[ZigZagInToTheBeach]

Please could someone tell me the pros and cons of male vs female cats? My family have always been adamant that they will only have female cats as males spray. In my early 20s I welcomed my first kittens into my home, two females. One of them was terrible for spraying, would regularly do so outside and we went through a period when she did so inside after another, strange cat had entered the house. Despite following all the advice we could find, the inside spraying only stopped when we knocked down part of our house and built an extension 😂 meaning she could no longer smell the other cat. (Obviously we didn't knock down part of the house because of this!!)
Anyway, my point is, do males spray more than females? Is there any reason to favour one over the other? Said female cat who sprayed died a few months ago and I'm starting to put the feelers out for welcoming another cat into the home.

Indoor spraying is generally a sign of stress in male and female cats, so I wouldn't choose based on that.

Un-neutered or late-neutered toms may spray for marking, but only a complete twat would not neuter their cat.

Yes, I think you've confirmed what I came to realise!

Are there any reasons to choose one over the other?!

Completely anecdotal but in my experience males are usually more chilled and friendly (I have owned cats for 30 years and have worked in shelters). I can't think of any other reasons as long as you plan on neutering.

There are really no differences between neutered males and neutered females en masse. There are huge differences between individual personalities and behaviours - but these aren't particularly influenced by sex.

It's unusual for either to spray (when neutered of course) and you've just been unlucky. A rescue will be able to point you towards a cat with the sort of behaviours and personality you are looking for.

I’m the same as Toty, I prefer boys but nice girl cats are out there.

I think it’s how you treat them sometimes.

I prefer male cats for some reason

I grew up with a cat (not my family's) who everyone referred to as 'he'. 'He' was as thick as mince, had no brains and loved to be snuggled and held like a baby.

I was over 40 when my parents broke it to me that 'he' was only spayed when 'he' was found to be 'with kittens'.

I still think of this cat as 'he' and assume that male cats are stupid and cuddly.

For no particular reason I prefer male cats.

We have three neutered cats - two males, one female and I previously had a neutered sibling pair.

Overall I would say the males have been more affectionate though our current female is ridiculously clingy

However there's really very little difference between them all once they're neutered. They all love a head scratch and a fuss and none of them have ever marked anywhere or shown any kind of aggression.

My current trio are 6, 4 and 1.