8 year old female needs a new kitten

Question
I have an 8 year old female and want to get a kitten for her to play with.  I understand the integration process and have used it successfully in the past.  My question.  What is better for my 8 year old female, another female kitten or a male?  Thank you!

Answer
Leslie,

It has been my experience that its best to balance out the genders when it comes to cats in a home, provided that you ensure that your resident cat is spayed prior to bringing home a new kitten and you plan to neuter the kitten I think a male kitten would be perfect. Since you are planning to get a kitten I would encourage you to ensure that your resident cat is spayed prior to adopting a new friend for her. There are many medical and behavioral benefits to spaying and neutering pets including a reduced risk of breast, ovarian, uterine, testicular and prostate cancers if the surgery is done early in life, when the surgery is performed later in life it still reduces the risks of these illnesses, but really the earlier the cat is spayed/neutered the better their chances are of avoiding serious medical problems related to hormones later in life. Female cats that haven't been spayed are also at risk of developing a potentially fatal infection of the womb called pyometra. This infection causes the uterus to fill with pus, if it ruptures spreading infection throughout the abdomen the cats chances of survival are slim at best. This infection is more prevalent among middle aged and geriatric cats. Behaviorally cats that have been spayed or neutered are far less likely to develop serious behavioral issues such as using urine or feces to mark territory, territorial aggression, fighting and wandering. Cats that fight because of territorial disputes are at risk of contracting two potentially serious incurable chronic viral infections, feline leukemia and FIV, these infections are similar to HIV/AIDS in human beings, don't worry though they aren't transmissible to people. Enjoy finding your new friend, its wonderful to be able to provide a shelter animal with their forever home, be sure that you look at energy levels and personality, its best to try and get someone compatible with your resident cat because Im quite sure that she doesnt want an overly active kitten to pounce on her, bug her relentlessly and generally drive her crazy.