Personality matters more than gender

jkoch

By Dr. John Koch

Question: I am planning on getting a kitten. Which will make the best pet, a male or female?

Answer: The choice is up to you. Either sex will make a good pet as long as you have your kitten spayed or neutered at the appropriate age.

Unaltered females can go into heat several times each year. When in heat, they can be extremely vocal and work diligently to escape your house for the purpose of finding a mate. I remember spaying one of my own yowling cats late one night because no one in the house was going to sleep if I had not done so.

Unaltered males develop a particularly annoying habit of spraying urine to mark their territory. Having strong-smelling urine deposits all over your home is not appreciated by most humans. Intact males also may become aggressive and less social as pets. Pay particular attention to the age your male kitten has its surgery. Waiting too late may allow your feline friend the opportunity to develop the habits you are trying to prevent. Neutering should be performed by six months of age.

The quality of a pet has more to do with its personality than other factors such as gender. Good luck!

Dr. Koch is a Cape Girardeau-area veterinarian.