The vast majority of potential Chit-Chat Siamese cat owners will ask me for my opinion or knowledge regarding this subject. Because this question pops up so often, I can understand the concern and will try to answer it in depth.

My general bottom line answer (I'll go into specifics later) is: if you are buying a kitten as a pet, there is no distinguishing difference. No difference that would cause me to say that a particular sex fundamentally, statistically would make a better pet. Ideally your pet should be chosen because you simply like him or her best. So I would in turn ask someone presenting this question to either share with me specifically what they are looking for in a potential pet and I'll match them up as well as possible, or- I would suggest they come visit us here (if they live with in driving distance) and spend time with a litter of kittens. We welcome potential Chit-Chat cat owners to visit the kittens even a couple times while they're growing and pick their baby because he or she is simply their favorite (or- as I'm so fond of pointing out -because a particular special kitten picked them!).

As an experienced breeder I know many people come to me with a pre-conceived idea that only one sex is the one for them. While I most definitely would not want to discredit them or their experience -I feel it could be a mistake to eliminate some precious soul that really was created for them solely on a prejudice based on their sex.

So, let's discuss some of the specifics in the differences between the two sexes. Now you may say, "I thought you said there are no differences!" No. That's no differences that may place the pet worthiness of one sex over the other. Differences do exist of course, and though picking the right pet is an awesome and very important decision, the differences boil down to a matter of preference. Both sexes truly make excellent pets. Also let me say; I would never steer anyone to a kitty that would not be a good fit for him or her. If what they need or want matches up to a specific kitten, whether male or female I will not withhold one in an attempt or wish to sell the other. Our cattery will only be as successful as our reputation and this of course depends on happy customers!

Okay, let's talk dollars. A male cat may be less expensive as far as "normal" vet bills are concerned only because they have less "parts" and the neuter surgery is much simpler and less expensive. I'm thinking though that if you are spending the money to buy a Siamese to begin with, you probably won't care that a female costs a bit more (sometimes $50-$75 more) to have altered ("fixed") especially when it comes to the years of enjoyment the right kitty will bring.

Male and female Siamese cats tend to have consistent personalities with in their own sex but are a bit different when compared to one another. A male is more stable, less moody and pretty much at the same level of personality giving their consistent love and devotion their whole companionable lives. A female is usually "all or nothing" in her whims. She either wants to be loved and cuddled at a particular moment or she doesn't. Not much in between with her. However when it is love she wishes to give or receive, she is passionate and persistent and "needier" it seems. Some say this gives the female sex an "edge" as she typically exhibits the more "Siamese" of the Siamese personality. Don't take this to mean that the personality of the male is not a strong one, just far more consistent. As a breeder I have many more females than males in my home and I'm crazy about every one of them. I love the differences and personality "quirks"!

Now, speaking in general feline terms, there is another slight difference between the sexes that bears noting. When a male is neutered at the appropriate age, (young and before the sexual hormones kick in) he tends to keep the "kitten" mentality for a very long time -even throughout his life. A female's personality development continues and she will mature unaffected by her spay surgery (without the heat cycle every three weeks that is!). This difference makes the male seem more playful and perhaps "cute" and the female a bit more laid back. Of course now, when the "Siamese Factor" is entered into the equation, you get a cat, male or female, that is more active and fun anyway, but still very easy going, so the personality difference after the spay or neuter surgery in this breed, if apparent, isn't much.

There have been a few observations and theories have been made over the years by various cat enthusiasts such as: a male cat is more suited to a female owner and vice versa or a female is better with children, a male a better companion for an elderly couple or a single person. Some say males can be violent. In the case of altered pet cats -this is surely not true. This idea may come from that fact that an intact male (not neutered) can become territorial and yes, even aggressive. The sex hormones that would drive this behavior are eliminated with the neutering. Some folks will rule out a male claiming that this sex overshoots their litter box or will begin to spray when they reach old age. While cases like this exist, it is the minority for sure and not the rule. As far as a geriatric cat is concerned, a female cat could also spray (though even less likely) or leave puddles in various places. As with humans, senility isn't much fun. Though a bit off the subject, I feel this would be a good time to point out how important it is to remember that though you are purchasing a kitten, your cat will hopefully live to be very old and you are accepting this kitten for "better or worse". Your Siamese will be a valuable member of your family whether a sweet little kitten or an elderly cat that may develop health concerns such as becoming incontinent! Of course I am trusting you have already thought this through and are in this for the long haul.

Unfortunately there are a lot of misconceptions, unsubstantiated theories, old wife's tales and just plain old bad information out there however, I can tell you confidently that none of these "theories" have been proven in our experience or in the experience of those who have bought a Chit-Chat Cat. This bit of knowledge plus the simple fact that over and over and over again we have people stating that they will only buy males or only buy females. The fact that theses strong opinions vary so much on either side only tells me that there is no "better" pet worthy sex!

Regardless, any Siamese you bring into your lives, you will love and treasure as these are precious, magnificent, royal, intelligent, loving animals that you will be honored to share your life with whether it be a male or female kitten that finally selects you.