Male or female is there a personality difference?

[sookie wookie]

It's been so long since I have had a male cat I was wondering whether there was a difference in personalities between the sexes or if it just depends on the individual cat?

Also I have been thinking of getting an addition, while she is great with me Sookie is very nervous of anyone else and I was wondering if I could find her a more confident companion whether it might help her? I would want to do it while she is still young so hopefully they could get a bond rather than just tolerate each other! Do you think it would be easier to introduce a male or do you think as she is young that it wouldn't make a difference?

[Kay]

I breed Persians and on the whole I would say that the males are slightly more loving and laid back with the girls tending to be a little more dominant and bossy. Of course there is an element of individuality but that has been my findings.

The amount of handling that they are used to as young kittens obviously makes a vast difference. I handle my kittens daily and so they grow up used to being picked up, cuddled and stroked. Some breeders do not agree with this way of breeding and let mum get on with it and hardly handle the kittens at all. I find that these kittens are more aloof even verging on being timid.

When you go to get another kitten spend time with the whole litter. Watch which kittens are bold and come to you for attention. They will make the best pets if you want a cat you can cuddle etc. Also observe how they owners react with the mum and the kittens. If they are very hands on then it is very likely the kittens will have been handled well and will be well adjusted kittens.

The main thing is don't rush in.

[angieh]

I believed for a long while that males are more affectionate and although I do believe that perhaps generally they do tend to be, females can also be affectionate but perhaps on their own terms - they're just more "picky"!

If I were you I'd go for a male kitten as a companion for your Sookie. Sounds rather like the situation I was in last year. I had Kizzy who was between 1 and 2 years, she was nervous and seemed sad to me before I brought Pip home as a 9 month old kitten. It did take a while for the bonding, but I have been so pleased with the change in her. She has learned how to play and they do play chase together and generally get on well. Pip is nearly a year old now and perhaps they are not so close as they used to be, but still play nicely together, although Pip has twice the amount of energy Kizzy has and sometimes she goes out to get away from him I'm sure.

Good luck with finding a friend for Sookie. How long has she been with you?

Edited to say: I totally agree with what Kay has just said and believe that kittens who are socialised early to accept handling and general household activity/noise etc. are much easier and less timid. Pip was beautifully socialised and is scared of nothing!

[Kay]

Originally Posted by angieh

Edited to say: I totally agree with what Kay has just said and believe that kittens who are socialised early to accept handling and general household activity/noise etc. are much easier and less timid. Pip was beautifully socialised and is scared of nothing!

It does make all the difference doesn't it Angie?

I have a litter of kittens here that are only 10 days old and they have had to be partly hand fed. They are as soft as could be already...... all males as well

[dandysmom]

I agree completely with Kay and Angie's comments. I've had a total of 8 cats in my lifetime, 4 of each, and generally the males were more affectionate (we are talking about neutered/spayed animals, of course!) And I too found it easier to introduce a male kitten to an adult resident female.

[sookie wookie]

I have had her since October (she is 9 months now) and she did come from someone who was very hands on with her and handled her alot. She is fine with me very affectionate and clingy just very very nervous of strangers, she also gets car sick which I think is due to nerves and doesn't venture far in the garden as it's too scary! She's very lively and wants me to play all the time, including in the middle of the night, and she still swings from the curtains!!!

eta: strangely she isn't at all phazed by loud noises like the hoover! My last cat was terrified of the hoover but would wonder up to anyone for a stroke!

[angieh]

mmmmm - that's a bit of a downside of having two - my two do tend to chase each other around at night! Sounds like a herd of wilderbeest rather than dainty kitty paws.

[Kay]

Sounds like she would benefit from a playmate. I agree with what Eileen says it is easier to introduce a male to a resident female rather than another female. Males are not seen as a threat like another female would be. They are easier to boss as well.....just like humans lol.

[sookie wookie]

Originally Posted by angieh

mmmmm - that's a bit of a downside of having two - my two do tend to chase each other around at night! Sounds like a herd of wilderbeest rather than dainty kitty paws.

although at least if they were chasing each other I might get to sleep through the night without getting pounced on or having my feet attacked

[dandysmom]

Some cats are very good at one-on-one interaction with "their person", but are wary of strangers; at least that is what I found. I suspect it was because they lived in a quiet household without many visitors growing up and then came to a similar home.Both my Siamese boy and two of my moggy girls always fled when people they didn't know came to my house.

A cat not scared of the hoover!