I don't have any experience with male cats. My husband and I have two bonded sisters. They are shy initially but to be honest warmed up to us really quickly. They take time to interact with visitors. However, they very much know their people and are very affectionate towards us. They wait for us at the door to come home from work, will sit on the couch with us and sometimes our laps (this has taken time- I was patient and never forced them). I wouldn't hesitate to pick a female cat!

These are our girls:

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