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BOYS VS. GIRLS
Whether one chooses a male or female for a companion pet is really a matter of personal preference. But there are some thoughts that should be considered before a final decision is made.
If one was to ask others who have had experiences with cats of both sexes as companions, I think they would find that most folks prefer the neutered male. Boys of most all species including felines, are generally less attitudinal and reactionary than their female spayed counterparts. They also tend to be more easy-going and affectionate.
Inexperienced folks might feel that there will be inappropriate behavior from the boys such as “spraying” or not using their litter pans. This certainly would be undesirable characteristics for any house cat to exhibit. These activities are generally associated with unaltered males that are attempting to mark their home as their territory. They are mostly trying to impress unaltered felines as to their sexual dominance. The situation is made worse when there is a presence of a female who is “in season” and looking for a mate for breeding. We generally associate these objectionable characteristics with unaltered males. However unaltered mature females can be just as offensive in their quest for a mate. She too will coo and cry mournfully and will frequently mark her presence with urine to entice a boy to her location. These conditions will not occur when the household felines are neutered or spayed.
I’m sure we can all recall the serenade of cats outside our window at night …either trying to woo a female to mate or to ward off any other tom cat intruders. The resulting smell of the affair may remain on our outside bushes the following morning. In light of this, one might consider the early altering of a companion pet as urgent. However this is not the case with a purebred housecat. First, most purebred felines are slow to mature compared to the average “garden variety” of domestic felines whose very existence depends on quick maturity and aggressive sexual activities at an early age.
Despite the eager efforts of shelters and some purebred breeders the generally accepted age for altering is close to seven or eight months for purebred cats. This age allows for sufficient time for growth and development which depend on the supply of hormones that will be terminated once a feline is altered. At this age most purebred felines are not sexually active and have not demonstrated any unwanted activities. Any attempt at dominance at this point is generally associated with personality characteristics rather than sexual.
Folks often consider a second feline as a household companion. Thoughts turn to which sex would make the best addition and whether age should be a concern. Regardless of the sex and age of the existing altered house companion there should be little concern as to the sex of the newcomer. Altered felines will regard other felines depending on their personalities, not sex. Is your present companion an alpha kitty or a more docile and easy going? Most all altered adults will have little concern for a kitten of either sex …once they have adjusted to the idea of sharing their environment. Older felines can generally make the transition fairly easily as well. It may take a little more time and understanding on the part of their mom or dad, but they generally will grow to enjoy the company of another.
A final thought in regards to color and your choice for a feline companion. If you have your heart set on a calico or perhaps a tortoiseshell, then you will have to accept a female. Those are sex linked colors and they only occur as females.
These are general thoughts and offered as a help in the decision process. If I could have but one kitty as a companion, it would unquestionably be a neutered boy! Likewise there are no doubt others who have had wonderful relationships with their companion kitties who where girls. Again personality becomes the dominant issue with any neuter or spay as does the temperament characteristics of the specific breed. As for the Devon Rex, their temperaments are so very extraordinary that either sex will make a wonderful addition to any household.
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