How Many Cats and What Gender Should I Get? Does it Matter?


I’ve started with cat ownership three different ways. The first two times, it was with one female. The second, with a pair of bonded male/female siblings.

And the third and current crew is the result of fostering to adopt with a litter of kittens – I planned on keeping two and wound up with three (brother + two sisters).

Turns out, it’s very difficult to choose only two when you raise kittens from one-week olds! Go figure.

I’ve also seen multiple households go through the process of adding a cat to a home that already has a resident cat.

Based on my experiences, my recommendation is always to start with siblings or a bonded pair if your budget and home have room for it. You’ll see why in the breakdown below.


Close-up of four tabby kittens being held in a person's hands held out from their body

Cat Gender Differences

Cat gender can influence personality traits and health considerations. While individual cats vary, certain tendencies are associated with males and females.

But as long as the cats are spayed, I think choosing by personality is more important than particular gender combinations if you’re considering more than one.

Personality Traits by Gender

Male cats tend to be more territorial and prone to roaming when unneutered. They often show more outward affectionate and attention-seeking behaviors.

Female cats may tend to be more independent and be less demanding of attention compared to males. They can be equally loving but may show it in more subtle ways.

It’s a small sample size, but in my own experience, I’ve seen a higher tendency for male cats to be more chill and cuddly, and female cats to be a little more high strung. But I’ve seen plenty of skittish or high strung cats of both genders, and can say the same for the cuddly end of the spectrum.

In the end, I think each cat’s background and upbringing has more to do with how easygoing they are than anything else. That’s why it’s important to know what to ask at the shelter, and spend time with any cat you’re considering adopting so you know if they gel with you.

If I were to adopt a pair of kittens right now, I think it would be either a brother/sister pair, or two brothers. The younger they are when you adopt them, the more time you’ll have with them in their most formative weeks (i.e., the window of time that shapes just how trusting they are of humans).

Spaying Makes Everything Better

Many people think of spaying cats as critical to population control in a world where there are far more cats than good homes for those cats.

While that is indeed critical, spaying has huge consequences for cat owners and the relationship they have with their cats.

That’s because spayed cats display far fewer problematic behaviors related to territoriality, resource guarding, and mating. For example, neutered male cats are significantly less likely to spray urine to mark their territory compared to intact males.

Spayed cats are also usually more chill. There are huge health benefits, too, for both male and female cats.

All of these positive outcomes that correspond with spaying are especially true when the procedure is done prior to sexual maturity in kittens.

Clearly, spaying is important in so many ways that it’s really a no-brainer.

Health Considerations

Each gender has a different pattern of health vulnerabilities, with many risks greatly reduced by early spaying.

Both male and female cats benefit from regular vet check-ups to monitor for gender-specific health issues. Early detection goes a very long way, so don’t skip these!

And of course, proper nutrition and preventive care are essential for maintaining optimal health regardless of gender.

Determining the Ideal Number of Cats

The number of cats in a household can significantly impact both feline and human wellbeing. Several factors influence how many cats are appropriate, including living space, individual personalities, and family dynamics.

Space and Resources

Living space size plays a crucial role in determining how many cats a home can comfortably accommodate. Each cat needs enough room to roam, play, and retreat when desired.

A general guideline is to provide a bare minimum of around 20 square feet of floor space per cat. This allows for proper territory establishment and reduces stress.

Resources like litter boxes, food bowls, and scratching posts should also be considered. The rule of thumb is one litter box per cat, plus one extra.

Vertical space is equally important. Cat trees, shelves, and perches help expand the usable area for felines and provide essential climbing opportunities.

It can also be really helpful to have a room that can be closed and used as a cat safe room when needed. This is helpful for acclimating a new cat, and at times of stress or change. And there are times where you may need to separate cats if you have more than one.

The Argument for Just One Cat

Some experts argue that having just one cat can be ideal in certain situations. Single cats often form strong bonds with their human companions, leading to deep, fulfilling relationships.

One cat may be preferable for smaller living spaces or for people with limited time and resources. It can also be a good choice for first-time cat owners who are still learning about feline care.

Single cats are often less likely to develop behavioral issues related to inter-cat conflicts. They may also be easier to train and socialize.

However, it’s important to note that solitary cats may require more attention and playtime from their owners to prevent boredom and loneliness.

For those adopting an adult cat that isn’t already bonded with any other cats, it may be easiest to make it a solo kitty. Sometimes the shelter staff will have background information or insights that can help you make an informed decision.

The Beauty of Starting with Siblings or a Bonded Pair

Adopting siblings or a bonded pair of cats can offer numerous benefits. These cats often provide each other with companionship, reducing the risk of boredom and destructive behaviors.

Siblings or bonded pairs typically adjust more easily to a new home environment. They comfort each other during stressful times and engage in mutual grooming and play.

This arrangement can be particularly beneficial for working pet parents, as the cats keep each other company during long periods alone.

It’s important to note that while siblings or bonded pairs often get along well, they still require individual attention and resources.

When combining cats who aren’t already bonded, your chances of success are far greater starting with kittens as opposed to full-grown cats.

Why Starting with Two is Better Than Adding One Later

Starting with two cats from the beginning can be advantageous compared to introducing a second cat later.

New cats entering an established cat’s territory often face challenges in integration. Sometimes it ends up working out well, but you should understand that there’s a decent chance that there may be a level of conflict or tension that never goes away, and they may never become snuggle buddies like you’d hoped.

On the other hand, two cats introduced simultaneously are more likely to form a positive relationship. They learn to share space and resources from the start, reducing territorial disputes.

This approach can also help prevent the development of “only cat syndrome,” where a cat becomes overly dependent on human interaction and struggles to accept feline companions.

Last Meows

We hope this helps you with your adoption decisions. For more on how to be clear on what you’re looking for when you set out to get a new cat, check out our article on setting adoption intentions and the rest of the series about finding and choosing a cat to adopt.

Explore articles in our Cat Training Collection:

VerveCat is supported by readers.  When you purchase via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no added cost to you.

The information provided here is not meant to replace professional guidance from your own veterinarian or cat behavior specialist.

About VerveCat

VerveCat.com launched in Fall 2023 and aims to grow into a comprehensive source of information, resources, and reviews for every part of feline companionship.

Whether you’re an experienced cat owner or just getting started on your cat life journey, we’re glad you stopped by and hope you’ll find things here to help you along the way.

Read more about the VerveCat project and the sentient beings behind it on our About Page.