Many prospective owners decide before the first conversation whether they want a male or a female. A common belief is that males are more affectionate, while females are more independent. But is the choice really that simple?
Male or Female – Are Their Personalities Really Different?
There May Be Differences in Size and Appearance
Males are generally larger and more robust, while females are often more delicate and lighter in appearance. The Birman, however, is fundamentally a medium-sized, harmonious breed: not as large as a Maine Coon or many Ragdolls, and not as round and stocky as a British Shorthair.
Males often create a more striking, “lion-like” impression, while females can be more elegant and refined – but here too there is great individual variation.
However, general claims about personality such as “males are more affectionate,” “females are more independent,” or that one gender is more attached than the other are not supported by our breeding experience as reliable rules.
There may be general tendencies, but these are not certain rules. A cat’s nature is shaped not only by its gender but also by the breed, bloodline, early socialization, individual temperament, and environment.
Two Birman kittens of the same gender can have completely different personalities.
What Does Neutering Change?
Males Mark, Females Don’t?
This is also a common misconception. Territorial marking with urine is not exclusively male behavior: intact males and females alike can mark. Neutering significantly reduces the likelihood of hormone-driven marking, so fear of marking alone is not a good reason to choose a female over a male.
Saba Birman family kittens go to their new homes with a neutering requirement.
In neutered family pets, much of the hormone-driven difference diminishes. In everyday life together, individual personality therefore becomes far more important than whether you have a male or a female.
What Kind of Kitten Do We Really Want?
Beyond “boy or girl?” it’s worth asking these questions instead:
- do we want a calmer or more active companion;
- how much time would they spend alone;
- are there children or other animals in the family;
- does a more affectionate or more exploratory personality suit us;
- do we want to live with one or more cats.
The right choice isn’t about a single trait, but about how well the kitten’s personality fits the family’s life.
Why Does the Breeder Observe the Kittens’ Personalities?
A kitten’s true nature cannot be determined solely from its gender, color, or a photograph.
Daily observation reveals how they connect with people, how they play, how confident, curious, or sensitive they are, and how they respond to new situations.
That’s why with Saba Birman kittens we don’t just show prospective families the gender and color. We help them understand the personality living behind that beautiful coat as well.
What If We Want Two Cats?
In this case, the following question almost always comes up: should it be two males, two females, or a male and a female together?
With neutered cats, in our experience, no pairing is automatically better than the others. Temperament, energy level, age, and proper introduction are far more important.
We’ll explore this question in more detail in our next article.
A Boy and a Girl – Nadine’s New Kittens
Nadine’s two Birman kittens were born on August 1st: a little male and a little female.
They are still very young, so neither their final color nor their personalities have developed enough to responsibly match them to a specific family.
That’s precisely why the coming weeks are not about quick choices, but about observation.
However, future Saba families can already join the reservation list now. That way, when the time comes to choose, they won’t just be looking at which kitten is still available, but will have a real opportunity to wait for the kitten whose personality and appearance truly speaks to them.
Boy or Girl Birman Cat?
There is no single right answer for every family.
The best choice is when the kitten’s gender, appearance, personality, and the family’s lifestyle together form a harmonious whole.
Because in the long run, we won’t simply be living with a male or a female.
But with a completely unique personality.
Have a question? Get in touch with us!
