How to choose a buddy for my cat

He's about 16 months old, and I'd like to get a buddy for him--as well as an additional one for myself. This time I want a female, maybe a calico or tortiseshell. Although I know her personality will be more important than her color.

Could someone give me some things to consider in choosing his new buddy? How to introduce them? What to look for and look out for? Additional supplies I might need to pick up? Also, I read somewhere calicoes tend to have a rotten attitude. Is this true? What have been your experiences with calicoes?

There's a big shelter adoption scheduled in a few weeks; I may consider going there.

I have a little calico kitten and she is the sweetest thing ever. Shes a little hyper (because she's a kitten) but she's just a lover. Not a mean bone in her body. Don't let anyone tell you that calicos have a bad attitude.

I have a three yr old male and I got a 8 week old kitten for his little buddy. He was scared of her at first. I kept her locked in her own room when I wasn't home to supervise. Otherwise I let them be together when I was home. They got into a couple of hissing matches but nothing serious. I quickly realized that he wouldn't hurt the baby.

After only 2 weeks they now play together and he grooms her. She of course pounces on him and wants to play. He tolerates it but lets her know when he's had enough and she backs off. I think I got so lucky! It's been very very easy for me!