Siamese, female, because they are gorgeous and mind blowingly intelligent. When we lived in a fourth story apartment in Mtl. this cat knew when my step father entered the underground parking and would wait for him at the door for five minutes.

One time our Siamese cat was sitting on my mother's lap. My mother was seriously miffed with me. I felt her anger was unjustified, I was a perfect 14 year old at the time, and Toughie jumped off of my mother's lap and bit her ankle. Clearly a brilliant cat.

My preference is male. I think they are less needy and clingy. However, I have a female that I adore. I love tuxedos, orange, tabbies, Maine Coons!!! The coloration doesn't really matter. Love the one you're with.

My cats are purrers, but they don't like to be picked up or sit on my lap. I wouldn't have known that when they were kittens. They nestle beside me. Every cat is different. Spend some time at a shelter and be open to loving a cat.

I’m a dog person (don’t hate me), but know many cats.

When the discussion about the perfect sex of a cat to own comes up I often hear that It doesn’t matter as long as they are neutered. A male cat becomes just as loving as a female after he is neutered.. My be true, may not be?

Bunny's right. You will simply fall in love with a kitten in the end. We are very cheap dates when all is said and done.

If you want a cuddler, choose a kitten who has been kindly handled frequently. And, btw, you never know if a cat will take to you. Our part two cats, I'm the one who brought them into our home, but one decided she's one kid's cat, and the other decided he's DH's dog. Our other kid and I were left out in the cold. You might let the kitten choose you. My favorite kitten tapped on the shoulder, and another one just showed up.

Although Butters came to us through a friend who fostered him (she was there for his birth), our two previous kittens were found on Petfinder, from perusing countless photos until one just stopped me in my tracks. I'm sure it works differently for each individual, but somehow for these last two, when I saw their pictures I just instantly knew. I have a strong affinity for brown tabbies, as my experience has been that they never fail to be overflowing with unique personality, but ultimately when you find the right one, I trust that YOU will have that feeling of "just knowing" too.

Persian cats can be gorgeous, but those with very long hair will require brushing. Munchkin cats are controversial. My own preference are ordinary calico cats, I think they are beautiful. But I also think most cats are beautiful.

If possible, the mother's temperament could be a good indication of the kitten's. Of course one does not always have the opportunity to know anything about the mother.

Siamese cats have weird meows. Even mixes will be...noisier.

I suggest picking based on coat color and how it blends into the colors you wear. Monochromatic cats are the best because you can attune your wardrobe to the cat. A calico will leave you with fur that is obvious whatever you wear. :)

Just get the nice one. You always roll the dice when picking a pet.

I would pick a kitten who will look you in the eye and respond to you when you speak to it. Also would like it to try to climb up and nestle on your neck and shoulder or under your chin, with a generous purr.. My two favorite cats were a half Siamese male and a Manx female.

I narrow my cat choice by appearance/coloring. I want one that’s different than any I’ve had. I think it’s a lot harder to tell a kitten’s personality than an adult cat. I like the ones that have been in a foster home because the foster can give an idea from what they’ve observed. I think you have to spend some time with them to see if they’re snuggly or squirmy, etc. Below was shown with a kitten listing on Petfinder. I finally understand why my mother’s innocent little kitten turned into an attack cat from he!!.

I like kittens as they will tend to bond more with you. Handle them lots as kittens and they will be used to it. I look to breeds for the amount of care they will need, such as long hairs need a lot more grooming than short. But each cat has such a different personality and brain that, regardless of breed, some will cuddle more, some less. Just as people have different tolerances for hugging or kissing, so will cats. Neither of mine are lap kitties, but both will lean. Misty purrs the instant you touch her and follows me around like a puppy...Mila hangs out with DH a lot more and is a little love sponge, absorbing every atom of attention she can get. Both are good girls and we're happy to have them.

They are rescues. First time I got 2 kittens together and they are from different litters as that's what the place had, but about the same age. They are not as close as they would be had they been siblings, I suspect, but they get along fine. Having 2 is better than one as they take out the excess energy on each other and they keep each other company when we travel...or I should say when we used to travel. And having 2 is not much more work than one.

I've opted for females as the last male I had was very insecure and got territorial when we moved and the neighbor cat was hanging about....meaning he was peeing around our brand new house. What a nightmare. Thank heavens for Nature's Miracle Cat Urine Destroyer!!

Have volunteered many years with feline rescue/shelter, my suggestion:

If you want certain personality traits "cuddles very purry and content" strongly suggest getting an adult cat where their personality will be more developed and do a "foster to adopt" arrangement.

Good luck.

And if you get kittens, take LOTS of pictures as they grow amazingly fast.

I've been told that if you already have a cat and are getting another, it's best to get one of the opposite gender. But other than that, I'm indifferent. I love my boy and my girls.

Having two tuxedos, they are equal opportunity shedders. All my light things, including upholstery, are covered in black hair. Dark things are covered in white hair. Buy stock in lint rollers.

Zephyr has such a loud, constant purr that's it's very much like someone in the neighborhood warming up their Harley, as everything vibrates a little. I often have to move him off the table when I'm on the computer because it gets to be too much. He's such a funny guy.

I agree with the suggestion to get two kittens, except if finances are a concern. Depending on what you feed them, it can get expensive, as are vet bills. If that's not a worry, then definitely get two! Also, make sure there is a vet nearby who is taking new patients. There are dozens of vet clinics in my area and over the last few years many of them are no longer taking new patients. Not sure if that's due to all the new covid pets or what.

As far as personality goes, I will preface my opinions with the fact that I have a lot of cat experience (owning, decades of fostering and rescue). Personally, I think it's the cat and sometimes its upbringing that dictates the personality, not breed or gender. Some cats are dealt a bad hand in life, are even abused, but are still sweet and cuddly. Some cats have had a cushy life, with every advantage, and they are brats. Or vice versa. Just like people.

I am intrigued with notion that cat coloring is an indicator of personality, i.e. black and white cats, solid black and orange cats are supposed to be friendly and laid back. I have had and met cats that fit that bill, and currently have two who do not. Calicos supposedly have personality plus, and tortoiseshells are high spirited and sassy. I have owned both and it was true for both their cases, but not for others I have met.

If you are going to get a single cat, I would go with an older kitten or adult cat that likes to be a singleton. Kittens appreciate a buddy, whereas more frequently, adult cats like to be solo - although there are PLENTY who appreciate company! Also, as MDLN pointed out, you have a better idea of the personality in an adult. Although again, not always. Some cats are absolutely terrified and don't "show well" at adoption events, but get them home and they are friendly snuggle bugs.

I would just go to your rescue or shelter and see who you connect with. At the county shelter I volunteer at, we often hear people say they came in to see a specific pet but connected with someone completely different. Good luck!

Great advice on this thread! I agree you’ll ”know”. :)

I love them all so much, but male Tabbies have a special place in my heart.

The ones I’ve been around have such good and even temperaments and get along with everyone and everything.

But really, they all have their unique personalities and quirks and are wonderful companions. ❤️

The right kitten will pick you just as much as you pick them. I've had many cats over the years and the boys tend to be bigger snugglers with the girls being more "helpful" with projects.

Oh, lucky you Lyban! I would LOVE to have a cat again, but guess we'll have to be content visiting with our neighbors B-I-G Maine Coon, Cooper. He's a sweetie, and our pup Finley adores him. Cooper (barely) tolerates FInley.

No advice from me, but please share pics when you find your kitten!

Thank you all for the advice. i should 3xplsin thst this eould not be for me but my grand daughter. still thinking on the idea.

If this is not for you, absolutely do not surprise anyone with a "gift" of a cat. Rather it should be entered into with full eyes open and a willingness by those who will be responsible to make up to a 20 year commitment including emotional and financial.

I agree. Not sure how old she is but if she's a child, if her parent's are on board with her getting a kitten, then I'd buy a cute stuffed kitty and give her a gift certificate to take her to find her kitten. She will find one that wants her that way. If she's an adult and not a child, then maybe do the same thing but don't just show up with a kitten for her.

I totally agree about not picking the cat out for her. If everyone in the family is on board, bring her to a shelter and see who "picks her."

I always had a Russian Blue female. They are so smart and funny. They don't shed and have gorgeous green eyes.