The Way of Cats

It’s a constant question, whether we are choosing a cat for the first time or considering a new one to be added to an existing bunch. On the one hand, personality is the most important factor, and I’ve had all kinds of cats, of both sexes. On the other hand, there are sex related tendencies which might be worthy of consideration.

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We should remember that there’s some misconceptions people still carry around. Some people look for girls because they think boys are more prone to roam or are more aggressive. Others want boys because they think girls are more neurotic or aloof. But none of these generalizations about cat sexes are true. When choosing a kitten who will be altered and well loved, their sex is the least of our considerations, because there are so many other factors which will have more impact.

I pick boys, though not on purpose. I have never looked over a group of cats and asked which ones are the boys; it’s just that once I’ve made my pick, it turns out that way. I’ve had friends who are the opposite; their pick will turn out to be a girl. I think that’s where the tendencies come in. There’s personality trends that can appeal to different people.

Boys are more likely to be goofballs. Easy going, less insistent on dignity, and likely to hang onto their kittenhood for years, boys are more likely to look for the fun in anything, whether it’s making us laugh after a tough day or not leaving the drape tassels alone. RJ is showing signs of being a classic case, though he’s young and still Kitten Brained. However, the last boy Maine Coon mix I knew did possess a wonderful sense of humor.

Girls are more likely to mature earlier, and have mature attitudes towards their opinions, their treatment, and their demands. They can be slower to warm up to new cats, and less tolerant of different outlooks. They can be quicker to leave things alone, and more responsive to our suggestions; unless they really, really want something. Then they are more likely to be stubborn.

Of course, these generalizations are belied by James Bond, who is quite stolid, fussy about routines, and insistent on his dignity. And my Natasha, who loved everyone, was as easygoing as a cup of pudding, and made friends easily.

So remember, personality trumps everything. That’s what to look for.

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There’s more to choosing a cat with The Way of Cats than the article you are reading now. See my CHOOSING A CAT.