more cat pictures
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.
I love it
I’ve been curious about your take on gender differences and enjoyed stumbling upon this entry today. I’m wondering if there is a bit of bias against males because of the spraying issue. I’ve never seen official numbers but when I met two of my cats (at 4 and 6 months) they were both with a brother and were the last remaining from a litter that had been picked over. Someone I know in cat rescue thinks there is a bias toward females too. Neutered males tend to have the types of pet personality that I think many people would prefer, so I think it’s ironic if they are being passed over for females.
Now, I’m curious about your take on color/pattern and personality generalizations. For example, orange tabbies have a fabulous reputation for being friendly and affectionate (my Leo fits the bill.) And then there’s the “tortidude” generalizations (which could be gender related.) Have you ever done a post about these?
I do think there are biases against males. Which is funny, because female cats can spray, too. It’s also my experience that females are more likely to be bossy; doubtless because of their kitten raising duties.
When we had our 3 week old foster, Tristan, show up in the home, it was Olwyn who took over and bossed everyone in sight.
Coming up: personality & fur! In February.