What sex to get

[fancyabrew]

we'll be moving to my late mum's house (20yds up the road) once we finish the BIG renovation in October'ish.

Its a much bigger house with a big garden, so we're after a kitten which will probably be the same as Chloe, BSH silver tab. Now Chloe is the boss around our house we've only got her, she's 13 and we've had her 5 years (RSPCA rescue). Anyway she won't have that much time to claim the new house as her own before we get the new kitten, but I'd like to make it as easy as possible for both her and the new one, so am I better off getting another female or a male (BSH male's can get realllllyyyyyy large 8-10kg chloe is around 4.5kg) or won't it really matter?

[angieh]

I have to say that firstly, I'd let Chloe get used to her new house before introducing any other cat. Moving house is very stressful - for people and more so for cats, so IMO she will need time to adjust first otherwise you could end up with a very stressed and unhappy puss.

[fancyabrew]

she sort of knows the house already its just up the road and she used to go and visit mum when she was still with us!

[dandysmom]

Well, I do agree with Angie that I'd give her a bit to really settle in. Then, as to sex, I personally have found it easier to introduce a male kitten to a resident female adult. She might accept a female; I'd go male Myself. She'll let him know she is the alpha cat. Congratulations, BTW!

[calismum]

Yep - agree I'd give her time to settle. Also I think males are easier to introduce to older females.

[fancyabrew]

it really depends on when some local bsh breeders have their litters, there are a couple in Plymouth that might have litters this autum or in the spring. We WILL be in for Xmas but it might be October, but it is a large job (we started last October) it still looks like a crack den more than a house!

[fancyabrew]

underfloor heating

http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m347/fancyabrew/Ivy%20Cottage/DSC01074.jpg

http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m347/fancyabrew/Ivy%20Cottage/DSC01083.jpg
living room

http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m347/fancyabrew/Ivy%20Cottage/DSC01084.jpg
kitchen

http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m347/fancyabrew/Ivy%20Cottage/DSC00697640x480-1.jpg
outside

http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m347/fancyabrew/Ivy%20Cottage/DSC00931.jpg
did look this bad!

http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m347/fancyabrew/Ivy%20Cottage/DSC00935.jpg

[calismum]

That is a major project - look forward to seeing the 'after' pics

[Kazz]

I'd say get a boy. But that is a lot of work being done, should look fantastic when completed.

[Moli]

Beautiful house.....you have a lot of work, but sure its going to be fantastic once done, keep us updated about the progress....

[RFM]

My recommendation goes a little against what others are saying...I've had more luck introducing a new cat in the old environment, if even for a short time, and then taking both to the new home together. This way neither cat marks the new home as 'theirs' adn neither cat is intruding on the others territory.

Good luck finding a new friend....my females have always been a little odd so I would suggest a male.