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How to Know if a Cat is Male or Female?

Published in Cat Anatomy 2 mins read

Determining a cat's sex involves examining the physical differences in their genital areas, with the appearance varying slightly between kittens and adult cats.

Identifying Sex in Kittens

It can be tricky to tell male and female kittens apart. Here's how to do it:

  1. Lift the tail: Gently lift the kitten's tail. You're looking for two openings: the anus and the genital opening.
  2. Check the distance: The key is the distance between the anus and the genital opening.
    • Females: In female kittens, the anus and the genital opening (vulva) are close together. The vulva appears as a vertical slit. This resembles an upside-down "i."
    • Males: In male kittens, the anus and the genital opening (which will eventually become the scrotum) are further apart. The opening will appear as a small, round circle. Before testicles descend, it may feel like an empty space. This resembles a colon (":").
  3. Feel for testicles: In very young kittens, testicles may not be easily palpable. However, as they get older (around 6-8 weeks), you should be able to feel two small, pea-sized lumps in the scrotum if the kitten is male.

Identifying Sex in Adult Cats

Sexing adult cats is generally easier than sexing kittens:

  1. Lift the tail: As with kittens, gently lift the tail.
  2. Observe the genitals:
    • Females: The vulva is a vertical slit located close to the anus.
    • Males: The scrotum is located below the anus. You'll likely see two distinct testicles contained within the scrotum. In neutered males, the scrotum may appear as a mound of fur or a small area of wrinkled skin. The opening will still be further from the anus than in a female.
  3. Consider overall appearance: Male cats often have larger heads and thicker necks than female cats, although this isn't a foolproof method.

Table Summarizing Key Differences

Feature Male Female
Anus to Genital Distance Larger Smaller
Genital Opening Round opening, potential for scrotum/testicles Vertical slit (vulva)
Appearance (Adult) May be larger overall Generally smaller
Neutered Male Scrotum may appear as a fur mound Vulva remains the same

Remember that this is a general guide, and if you're unsure, consult with a veterinarian for confirmation.