I have had many male and female cats in my life and both were quite affectionate. I just prefer male cats because they can be more loving. My female cats are nice for most of their lives, but get so grumpy when they are old. I noticed that my female cats also hated children too.
My boy cat is definitely much more cuddly than my girl. I really wanted my girl cat- she's my pointed half-Siamese and I loved her coloring- but but my little tuxedo foundling boy has always been the sweeter of the two.