How To Tell A Male From A Female Cat

How to Tell If a Cat Is Male or Female

A male cat can often be difficult to distinguish from a female cat, and it can be much more difficult to distinguish between a neutered male cat and a kitten. There are, however, several telltale signals and behaviors that can make determining a cat’s gender much easier than it otherwise would be. Unless the cat or kitten’s owner is a cat breeder, it’s critical to find a reputable veterinarian who can spay or neuter the pet once the cat or kitten has been correctly sexed.

Sexing Kittens

For people who are considering adopting a kitten, the likelihood is that the new companion is just a few weeks old. Newborns and kittens are so young that it is practically difficult to determine their gender at this stage. Once they reach the age of six or eight weeks, though, their genitalia becomes more visible. Menstrual discharge is not generally visible in male cats, and it is doubtful that the owner will be able to feel or view the cat’s scrotum in this situation. As a result, the absence of a penis or testicles does not always indicate that a kitten is female.

To do this, gradually lift the pet’s tail; begin by caressing the cat softly and scratching the lower back of the cat, as he or she may raise the tail involuntarily when purring begins.

• In female cats, the genital area, which is the space right behind her tail, will appear as an upside-down exclamation point (!) with the lengthy slit of the vaginal area below the anus at the bottom. The anus and vagina are usually just about half an inch apart on either side of the body. Anus and vagina in kittens may both appear as dots, and they may even be located closer together than in humans. A wider gap exists between the anus and the penis in the male cat, with the testicles positioned in the middle of the divide. They are more like dots, circles, or the colon (:) than they are like slits or lines on either side of the aperture

Photograph by Fajrul Islam / Getty Images

Sexing Grown Cats

If you’re adopting a mature cat, use the same sexing process as you would for a kitten; this method is often effective for both neutered and “whole” cats alike. If a pet is not spayed or neutered, on the other hand, it will be easy to determine the gender of the animal based on both look and behavior. Once cats have been spayed or neutered, there is no discernible difference in their behavior between the sexes; any variances that do appear are most likely due to individual cat temperaments.

• In the case of adults adopting cats, use the same sexing approach as you would with kittens
• This method is often effective for both neutered and “whole” cats alike. If a pet is not spayed or neutered, on the other hand, it will be easy to determine the gender of the animal based on both appearance and behavioral characteristics. There is no noticeable difference in behavior between males and females after cats have been spayed or neutered
• Any variances that do exist are most likely due to individual cat temperaments.

Sex-Based Differences in Appearance

While all cats have a similar appearance, several colors and physical characteristics are exclusive to a particular gender. A male cat with three-color calico or orange-and-black tortoiseshell hair, for example, would be highly unusual. In the case of people who have acalico or tortie cat, the odds are quite high that the pet is a female. When it comes to female cats, orange or ginger-colored (or orange-and-white striped) hair is quite difficult to find. A male cat is more likely to be found in the home of individuals who have an orange cat as a decoration.

Females going through heat may have vaginal discharge, and a pregnant cat may have a low-hanging, swollen tummy, according to the American Cat Association.

Always consult your veterinarian for health-related inquiries, since they have evaluated your pet and are familiar with the pet’s medical history, and they can provide the most appropriate suggestions for your pet.

How to determine a kitten’s sex

Download the fact sheet for more information. Remove your hand from beneath the tail and take a close look at what’s beneath it. The anus is the first opening under the base of the tail; below that is either the prepuce (skin around the penis) or the vulva (female genital entrance) (opening to the vagina).

Female

• In fact, the anus and vaginal entrance are so close together that they are virtually touching. It seems to be more of a vertical slit or a teardrop shape rather than a spherical hole in the vaginal entrance. Another indicator is the color of the coat: An almost usually female tricolor cat (such as a calico or tortoiseshell) can be identified by its coloration.

Male

• In fact, the anus and vaginal entrance are so near together that they are virtually touching
• The vaginal aperture seems to be more like a vertical slit or a teardrop shape rather than a circular hole
• Yet, Another hint is the color of the coat: red. An almost usually female tricolor cat (such as a calico or tortoiseshell) may be identified by its color pattern.

Document

How to tell if a kitten is male or femaleAdvertisement

How to Tell the Sex of a Cat – A Cat Sexing Guide

It’s a well-known story: you have a cat, and it’s almost certainly a male… When you take your cat to the clinic, you are informed that your male cat is actually a girl!! This is not uncommon since determining whether your cat is a boy or a girl is not as straightforward as many people believe. Even when a cat is neutered, the gender of the cat is not often immediately apparent, particularly when the cat in issue is a very young kitten. In order to determine if your cat is a male or a female, consider the following: It is possible to determine if your cat is male or female by picking it up and gently lifting the tail.

Male and female anus are separated by a smaller distance compared to male and female genitals, and this is often used as a guideline to determine the sex of a specimen.

Determining the Sex of a Kitten

In order to accurately sex a kitten, it should be at least 6 weeks old. Before this age, the kitten is too immature to notice the subtle differences between males and females, making it difficult to distinguish between them. By the time they are approximately 6 to 8 weeks old, you should be able to tell the difference between them with reasonable ease. The penis and testicles, or the absence thereof, are not the distinguishing characteristics, as many people believe. The distance between the anus and the genitals is really the greatest distinguishing trait, with these parts being closer together in females than in men, and this gap is the most revealing feature.

1. Never pick up a cat of any age by their tail, and be careful not to allow them to move about while you are holding their tail up, since this can result in fractures in the tail joint.
2. For more information, see our tutorial on how to pick up a cat.
3. As soon as they raise their tail, you will be able to see everything on their rear end.
4. The two points are approximately half an inch apart and will appear as a dot and a line on the screen (like an upside-down exclamation mark).
5. In male cats, there is a greater space between the anus and the penis, with the testicles sandwiched between them, measuring over an inch.

These will seem more as dots than as lines on the screen. Once the kitten reaches the age of 10 weeks, the development of a scrotal sac will begin, which will grow more evident with time.

Determining the Sex of Older Cats

If the elder cat has not been neutered or spayed, it will be much easier to detect their gender than if they have been. A male cat’s testicles will be visible, and you may see certain aggressive behaviors typical with full males, like as clawing, biting, and marking territory. A female that has not been spayed will come into season on a regular basis, during which she may become more loud and attention-seeking as she seeks to locate a mate for the first time. A female cat that has previously had a litter would most likely have more visible nipples as a result of nursing the kittens — keep in mind that male cats can also have nipples, but they will be much less noticeable.

Despite the fact that the male has been neutered, you may still be able to detect a faint outline of the testicle sac, and you may use the distance between the anus and the male genitals as a reference as well.

From a behavioural standpoint, a spayed or neutered female will not go into heat, and a neutered or spayed male will be calmer and less aggressive in general.

Still Not Sure?

Don’t be concerned; these details can be extremely subtle, so if you are having difficulty determining the gender of your cat, or if your cat is being uncooperative, you should consult a veterinarian for assistance. The veterinarian will be able to do a health examination on them and identify their gender on your behalf. As veterinarians, they will be accustomed to working with cats and will know how to sex them with ease, and they will be more than pleased to assist you. You’ll probably find it simpler and less unpleasant to plan a vet appointment rather than attempting to check your cat’s sex at home if your cat doesn’t enjoy being handled, or if your cat attempts to scratch you and break free anytime you wish to check their sex.

Is it True You Can Determine A Cat’s Sex By Colour?

It is true that tortoiseshell and calico cats are virtually exclusively female. According to research, just one in every 1,000 calico cats is a male. This is due to the fact that these colors necessitate the presence of two X chromosomes, and females possess two X chromosomes. A guy with these colors would have two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome, which would indicate a genetic abnormality. According to Science Focus, around three-quarters of ginger cats are male and one-quarter are female, despite the popular belief that all ginger cats are male.

Ginger coloration is a less accurate predictor of sex in cats, however ginger males are more likely to be found than ginger females in the overall population of cats.

This is something that may be used as a general guideline, but it is by no means perfect, and we strongly advise utilizing other ways to determine the gender of your cat rather than relying just on the color of their fur to determine their gender.

Sexing A Cat Summary

Identifying the gender of your kitten or adult cat is not as difficult as it may appear at first glance. When it comes to identifying whether your cat is male or female, the distance between his anus and genitals should be sufficient to tell you. While the color of your cat may be associated with the likelihood of your cat being a particular gender, this is not a guarantee, and you should not make assumptions about your cat’s gender solely on its coat color. If you are having difficulty determining if your cat is a male or a female, we recommend that you consult with your local veterinarian for assistance.

If you are unsure whether or not your cat has been spayed or neutered, your veterinarian will be able to provide you with further information as well.

It is possible that I will receive a small commission on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

How to Determine the Sex of a Cat

Documentation Download Documentation Download Documentation Male and female cats and kittens have a similar appearance and demeanor, making it difficult to distinguish which is which just by observing their behavior and behavior. If you know what to look for, however, there are many important characteristics that will allow you to tell the difference between the sexes without having to ask anyone. When kittens are born, their genitalia will be undeveloped, therefore it is best to wait until the kittens are a few weeks old before determining their gender.

1. 1 Take your time while approaching the cat or kitten. It is important to pick up a cat or kitten in order to determine the gender of the animal. Some cats are wary of being touched, so give him or her some time to become accustomed to being around you.

• Allow the cat to approach you by standing or crouching near him or her. When the cat gets close enough, allow him or her to sniff your hand
• If the cat appears apprehensive, you may need to come back later or enlist the assistance of a partner to complete the following step.

• 2 Pull the cat’s tail back. Pick up the cat with one arm and gently cradle him or her with the other. Lift the tail with your free hand to have a better look at the genital region.

• Depending on how comfortable the cat is with being handled, this may be easier to conduct while sitting in a chair or on the sofa so that you don’t have to worry about dropping the cat
• Assuming you’re working with a companion, ask your partner to hold the cat securely in both arms while you raise the tail
• Otherwise, do it yourself. Consider scratching the cat’s back at the area where the tail joins the back if he or she is resistant to having his or her tail raised. It is common for cats to elevate their tails when they are handled in this area.

• 3 Keep an eye out for genitalia that are indicative of a male cat. The most accurate way to identify the difference between a male and a female cat is to look at the cat’s physical characteristics below its tail, which are described below. Start by looking for male genital characteristics, which might be a little easier to identify than female characteristics.

• In contrast to female cats, male cats have just an anus and an entrance for the urinary tract, whereas female cats do not have either of these features. The scrotum of an intact (or tom) cat is covered with fur and includes two testicles, which are normally sized from the size of cherry pits to the size of real cherries. Scrotum bumps are seen on the male cat’s back as a pair of lumps that are pretty noticeable. Long-haired cats may have difficulty seeing their scrotum, in which case dampening the fur with water will help flatten it and make the scrotum more visible. A neutered male cat will still have a scrotum, however it will be significantly smaller than an unneutered male cat. Located below the scrotum, beneath the skin, and emerging from a little fuzzy mound between the cat’s legs, the penis is the cat’s reproductive organ. You would anticipate a male cat’s genitalia to look like a colon (:)
• However, this is not the case. The anus of a male cat and the entrance of his urinary system should be at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart, or 1 2 inch (1.3 cm) for kittens.

• 4 Keep an eye out for genitalia that are indicative of a female cat. If the cat’s anatomy doesn’t appear to be that of a male cat, start looking for feminine characteristics in the animal’s behavior.

• It is common for female cats to have two urinary tract openings/vulvas, with the urinary tract opening/vulva arranged vertically and the anus on the side of the cat’s body. Female cat genitalia can be thought of as having the appearance of a semi-colon (
• )
• In contrast to male cats, female cats have a smaller space between their anus and vulva, often around 1 2inch (1.3 cm) apart.

1. 1 First, look at the color. You should look at the colour of the kittens if you have a litter of kittens
2. Some cat colorations are sex-specific and can assist you in determining which cat is which.

• Cats with calico or tortoiseshell coloring are almost always female. Orange and ginger colored cats are more likely to be male than female, however this is not a reliable technique to establish a cat’s gender.

• 2 Keep an eye out for sex-specific behaviour in cats who are not neutered or spayed. As a result, it is easy to determine the sex of intact cats since they naturally exhibit the habits and features of their respective sexe.

• Male cats that have not been neutered are more aggressive than female cats, and they have bigger heads and thicker skin than female cats. They enjoy to travel and may occasionally leave for several days at a time. The way they mark their territory is to spray it with strong-smelling urine
• Female cats are less inclined to spray their surroundings than male cats.

• 3 Keep an eye out for symptoms that the cat is in heat or that she is or was pregnant. Women who haven’t had their cats spayed will go into heat, a state of reproductive readiness that allows them to become pregnant, every 3-5 weeks during warm weather (or if they live in an environment with temperature control). Cats in heat exhibit a number of distinguishable behaviors, including:

• Making vocal noises in order to gain male attention. Changing the position of the tail to the side to display genitalia or stooping into a receptive posture are all examples of how the cat may appear to be in pain or whimpering. It is possible that the vulva is secreting a clear discharge. Increased brushing against inanimate objects, property owners’ or other animals’ fur and feathers
• Cats with large, swollen tummies during pregnancy are known as pregnant female felines. Female cats that have recently given birth may have nipples protruding from their stomachs, which is normal. Because both male and female cats have nipples, it is important to be cautious when utilizing them to determine sex.

Create a new question

• Question I have a ginger, polydactyl cat that is very friendly and enjoys hugs with his owner. My other cat, who is also ginger, is subservient to the first cat and to me. Is that individual a man as well? A veterinarian with over 30 years of expertise in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice, Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS, is a member of the British Veterinary Medical Association. Veterinary medicine and surgery were among the subjects she studied when she graduated with honors from the University of Glasgow in 1987. She has been employed at the same animal clinic in her hometown for more than two decades now. An Answer from a Veterinarian Ginger cats can be either male or female, and both male and female cats can be subservient to others
• As a result, it is impossible to determine the gender of your cat only based on the information you provide here. Your best chance is to examine the rear ends of both cats to see if they are the same (both male) or whether they are different (one male, one female.) If it’s difficult to hold two things at the same time, try taking a photo with your phone. Question Is it feasible for the genitalia of a male kitten to be less than an inch away from the anal entrance of the female kitten? A veterinarian with over 30 years of expertise in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice, Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS, is a member of the British Veterinary Medical Association. Veterinary medicine and surgery were among the subjects she studied when she graduated with honors from the University of Glasgow in 1987. She has been employed at the same animal clinic in her hometown for more than two decades now. An Answer from a Veterinarian If the kitten is little, the answer is yes. When working with young kittens, it is frequently beneficial to compare the separation of the openings with those of other kittens of the same age. Frequently, this makes things a great deal clearer

Inquire about something There are 200 characters remaining. Include your email address so that you may be notified when this question has been resolved. Submit

• The genitalia of a cat are the most accurate way to establish the gender of the animal. Men and women have different personalities, however it is not the most accurate method of determining a cat’s gender since most experts believe that it is a fallacy that male and female cats have different personalities. To protect yourself from scratches when performing a physical examination when working alone, consider using leather gloves and a long-sleeved shirt. If the cat is unfamiliar with you or appears to be a timid stray, avoid performing a physical examination on him. Wait until the cat is comfortable with you before approaching it, or take it to the veterinarian.

About This Article

Summary of the ArticleXTo ascertain the sex of a cat, approach the animal gently and slowly to allow it to get acquainted with you before picking it up and examining it. Holding the cat in your arms with one hand so that its paws are facing the ground and gently lifting its tail so that you can see its genital area can help you identify the cat’s sexual organs. Look in this region to see if the cat has a scrotum, which will appear as two hairy lumps under the anus if the cat does have one. If this is the case, the cat is a male.

Please continue reading for information on establishing the gender of a cat using color patterns and behavioral characteristics.

The writers of this page have together authored a page that has been read 1,443,432 times.

Did this article help you?

Gender determination is critical when dealing with cats of any age, whether they are kittens, stray cats, or cats that you desire to adopt. Cat gender identification is rather simple if you know what to look for and what to expect.

Handling

Handle cats with caution and gentleness. To handle a kitten, wait until it is between 3 and 4 weeks of age if at all possible. This will allow you to ensure that the mother cat is okay with you handling them, and you will be prepared to return the kitten if either the mother or the kitten gets distressed.

In order to deal with wiggly or ornery adult cats, seek the assistance of another person. Pinching or scratching the place where the tail joins the back can help to bring the tail up even further.

Gender Differences

The distance between the anus and the genitals can be used to determine the gender of a person. Instead of touching the genital region, use your eyes to judge the spacing. Anus and genitals of females are located exactly below or within a half-inch of the anus and have the appearance of a vertical slit. The cat is considered male if the space between the two ears is larger than half an inch in a kitten or an inch in an adult. Male genitals look to be more rounder than female genitals. This scrotal sac does not fully mature until the child is between 6 and 10 weeks old.

Call the Vet

If you’re not sure, take the cat to a veterinarian for an examination. In order to identify whether the cat has been fixed, the veterinarian should be able to show you the male or female genitals. Anus is a life-threatening birth abnormality that occurs in just a small percentage of kittens. If you just detect one opening, take the kitten to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Prior to making any dietary, pharmaceutical, or physical activity changes for your pet, consult with your veterinarian.

How to Tell Cat Gender by Face

If you don’t know how to determine the difference between male and female cats without peeping beneath the hood, it might be difficult to do so. When you can’t see the genitals of a cat, you can’t sex it. This is especially true for male cats. Despite the fact that it is not an exact science, it is feasible to distinguish between male and female cats by using various methods. Cats have some degree of sexual dimorphism, with the degree of dimorphism varying from breed to breed and from individual to individual.

• The facial distinctions between male and female cats, on the other hand, are perhaps the most noticeable.
• How to identify the gender of a cat based on its appearance: In comparison to female cats, male cats have a more rounder and broader face.
• Female cats tend to have a smaller face and a more delicate nose than male cats..
• Perhaps you are unable to get close enough to undertake a genital examination.
• Perhaps you’ve noticed a kitten at the shelter and are considering adopting him or her.
• Everything you’ve been seeking for is right here in this piece of writing.

How to Tell Cat Gender by Face

The only method to tell if you have a male or a female cat is to examine the cat’s genitals and make your decision based on what you see there. Occasionally, though, this isn’t a feasible option. By looking at a cat’s face, you can make an extremely excellent estimate about the animal’s gender. Please keep in mind that this only applies to cats who have progressed beyond the kitten stage and have begun to acquire their adult traits. Male and female kittens are essentially identical when they are born; the only way to tell the difference is to examine the genitals, which can be difficult for the average cat owner to do.

• Generally speaking, he’ll appear a little less delicate and defined.
• Their foreheads are often wider and broader than their sisters’, and their cheekbones are typically blockier than their sisters.
• A male cat who has been neutered at an early period in his growth will have a significantly less “masculine” appearance than a male cat who has been neutered later in life or who is still a full animal.
• Women’s features are often more pointed and narrower than a man’s, and they have a more slender nose and thinner whisker pads than men have.
• There is a great deal of variation in the appearance and build of cats, particularly across various breeds.
• Because of this and other factors, the facial traits of a cat should only be used as a reference to the cat’s likely sex rather than as a clear sign of whether the cat is female or male in nature.

Several more physical traits of a cat that can be used to determine its gender will be discussed in the next section.

Other Physical Characteristics

There are a few other physical traits of an adult cat that can be used to determine the gender of the animal. One of these is the presence of coloration. However, although some colors are found in equal proportions in both males and females, some colors are not seen in either. Cats with tortoiseshell or calico patterns are almost invariably female. A tortoiseshell cat, for example, has fur that is a combination of several different colors that is mixed together rather than separated as in a tabby (calico).

• Cats with XXY chromosomes are more likely than not to be born with tortoiseshell or calico markings, but this is extremely unusual.
• These one-of-a-kind tiny creatures are one of few thousand in the world.
• Male cats are often larger and stockier in build than female cats.
• They may also be substantially heavier than previously thought.
• It is important to note that the size variation between breeds is frequently substantial.

Gender and Behaviour

The gender of a cat may also have an impact on its behavior. Male cats as a whole can be more aggressive, having a proclivity to spray the environment in which they live. They are more prone to escaping and wandering around, often vanishing for extended periods of time. Females that have not been spayed may ultimately go into heat, which will cause them to behave inappropriately in a variety of situations. They will frequently attempt to flee more aggressively, especially if there is a male cat present.

1. These distressed yowls are attracted to toms, but they may be quite distressing to people.
2. She may come into contact with people and items more frequently.
3. There may also be a distinct discharge from the vulva – but if you’re close enough to see it, you already know what the cat’s sex is by this point.
4. The chances of encountering a cat with a low-hanging, inflated tummy and swollenous nipples are quite high that you’re looking at a pregnant female.

Occasionally, cats with serious intestinal parasites will develop inflated abdomens as well, but these cats will not have the more obvious nipples that are characteristic of a pregnant female cat.

Sexing Cats Based on Genitals

Examining a cat’s genitals is the only way to establish its gender with any degree of accuracy. This is easier to accomplish with older cats. For those unfamiliar with kittens in their infancy, identifying males and females can be difficult without prior knowledge of their characteristics. To get a good look at the cat’s genitals, you’ll need to carefully lift the tail. If the cat is comfortable and willing to be handled, this should be a straightforward procedure. In order to avoid dropping the cat if things don’t go well, it’s a good idea to sit down with the cat on your lap while you’re working.

• Cats are known to naturally elevate their tails when faced with this situation.
• Wrapping the cat with a towel or blanket may be essential in some cases.
• Additionally, the testicles will be seen in a complete tom.
• An anus and a vagina are the only organs found in a female cat.
• Your veterinarian will be able to tell you whether or not the cat is old enough for the treatment.
• Having cats de-sexed makes them happier and simpler to care for, and it also helps to prevent them from many different ailments.

How do I know if my cat’s male or female?

You may have always assumed that the difference between male and female cats is immediately apparent when they are newborns. Actually, it’s not as simple as you would imagine. So we’ve answered all of your queries regarding how to determine whether or not your cat is male or female in this post so that you won’t be caught off guard in the future. Taking a close look at the kitten’s genitals is the most logical method to discern the difference between the sexes, according to logic. However, based just on appearances, it is difficult to determine the truth.

How do I know if my cat’s male?

The anus, the scrotum, and the penis are the three parts of a male cat’s genital region. A fur-covered scrotum, also known as a scrotal sac, is the organ that houses the testicles. The testicles of newborn kittens are quite tiny, around the size of a cherry stone. It is estimated that the cat will grow to be the size of a cherry by the time it reaches maturity. So if there are testicles, you should be able to see and feel them, if they are present.

Right above the testicles, in a little tuft of fur, is where the penis may be found. This object may be seen between the cat’s rear legs. The anus is located around three millimetres apart from the penis in adult cats. This distance is reduced in a kitten that is just born.

How do I know if my cat’s female?

The vulva and the anus are the two parts of a female cat’s genital region. The anus is placed immediately below the tail, and, as is also the case with male cats, it is quite simple to distinguish from other parts of the body. The vulva is located approximately a millimetre distant from the anus and resembles a vertical slit in appearance.

To sum up

If you’re wondering, here’s the simple answer to your query, “How do I tell if my cat is male or female?” Lift your kitten’s tail and take a peek at what you’ll find:

• It will be easy to tell whether he is a male since there will be an opening around a millimetre below the anus. This is what the foreskin looks like. You’ll see the scrotal sac with two little lumps on either side, which are the testicles, just below. The anus and the foreskin have the appearance of two little circles, one of which is below the other. ‘If she’s a female,’ you’ll see a vertical slit that almost reaches the anus (which looks like an uppercase letter I which is the vulva
• If she’s a male, you’ll notice a horizontal slit that almost reaches the anus (which looks like an uppercase letter I which is the cervix.

Is it true that calico cats are always female?

Your question, ‘How do I tell whether my cat is male or female,?’ has been answered. In calico cats, things are a lot less complicated (cats with tricoloured coats). A cat with a coat that is a mix of black, white, and orange is almost always a female, according to the statistics. Rather than being the outcome of chance, this is the consequence of genetics. Fur color is determined by the color of the chromosomes. As you are surely aware, male animals have an XY chromosomal combination, whereas female mammals have a XX chromosome combination.

1. As a result, the only situation in which both alleles (the orange and the black) can occur together in conjunction with white is if there are two X chromosomes in the individual.
2. That being said, proceed with caution, for the answer to your question about how to determine if your cat is a male or a female when they have tri-colored fur may come as a surprise to you.
3. In some instances, a genetic mutation has occurred, resulting in the cat having three chromosomes, denoted by the letters XXY.
4. Most of these male cats are infertile, as is the case with most male cats.

Please accept our thanks for your assistance in answering your query, ‘how can I determine if my cat is male or female?’ If, despite this explanation, you are still unsure about the gender of your kitten, the best course of action is to speak with your veterinarian, who will be able to assist you in determining its gender.

Male vs Female Cat: What Are The Differences?

Dr. Carly I. O’Malley contributed to this article. 23rd of May, 2019 There are numerous decisions to be made by new cat parents before bringing their new feline buddy into their house, and one of the most important is determining whether to buy a male or female cat. Male and female cats are both excellent companions, but there can be significant distinctions between the two in terms of behavior. Many cat parents may acquire a predilection for one or the other of the two types of felines. Male and female cats have distinct characteristics that will be discussed in this article to assist potential cat parents in making an informed decision about which one they would choose to have as a pet.

However, it is vital to keep in mind that cats that have not been spayed or neutered may exhibit quite distinct and very dangerous behaviours.

When female cats are in heat, they are more prone to vocalize excessively and to attract male cats from all over the area if they are not spayed or neutered.

It is generally possible to lessen the behavioral differences between male and female cats by spaying or neutering, and this will make your life much simpler if you have cats in your home (ASPCA). The distinctions between fixed male and fixed female cats will now be discussed further.

What Are The Differences Between A Male And Female Cat?

The morphological and behavioral distinctions between a male and a female cat are the most significant. Male cats are often larger and more prone to urine marking than female cats. Contrary to common assumption, male cats are frequently regarded to be more loving than female cats, whereas female cats are sometimes considered to be more aggressive toward humans and other cats. Let’s take a closer look at the differences.

What Are The Physical Differences Between A Female And Male Cat?

One of the most noticeable anatomical differences between male and female cats is the shape of their genital organs. Males who have been neutered have their testicles removed, while females who have been spayed have their uterus removed. Spaying or neutering cats before they reach the age of five months is generally suggested to prevent undesirable behaviors. Spaying or neutering beyond this age, on the other hand, is also beneficial in reducing these undesirable tendencies (ASPCA). If you adopt a cat from an animal shelter, the cat will most likely have been spayed or neutered before you take the cat home, according to the ASPCA.

1. Generally speaking, male cats are bigger than female cats, especially if they were not neutered until after they reached sexual maturity.
2. These cheeks serve as a visual cue to both ladies and other guys about their physical health.
3. If you acquire an older male cat, you may find that his cheeks are bigger and more endearing.
4. For example, female kittens open their eyes earlier than male kittens, allowing them to perceive the world earlier than male kittens.
5. Female cats have also been reported to live longer lives than male cats, while there are a range of variables that influence a cat’s longevity that are not related to gender (Bateson, 2013).
6. Male cats also have a significant physical disadvantage that must be considered.
7. This can result in a variety of problems, including recurrent urinary tract infections.

Male cats may require surgery to enlarge their urethra in uncommon and extreme circumstances. This procedure, known as perineal urethrostomy or PU surgery, is performed to widen the urethra (ACVS).

What Are The Behavioral Differences Between A Female And Male Cat?

Females who had been spayed or neutered were graded on 12 behavioral traits in a study conducted by the researchers Hart & Hart (2013). Female cats were shown to be more afraid and aggressive toward people and other cats, according to the study. Male cats were thought to be more playful, gregarious, and loving than female cats. Because males can be more lively than females, it is possible that they will be more rowdy and run around the home in the middle of the night if they are male. Additionally, male cats have been seen to spend significantly more time wandering the house than female cats (BernsterinFriedmann, 2013).

1. Also mentioned is the fact that male cats are more prone than female cats to create deep ties with other cats in the home, even if the cats are not littermates.
2. Considering that male cats are driven to defend their territory, particularly against other tom cats, adopting two former street-fighter tom cats may result in persistent territorial behavior such as urine marking and violence.
3. Female cats may also be wary of other animals in the same family and may assert their dominance over favoured areas of the house or even over their favorite human member of the household.
4. Females do not enjoy playing as much as males do, and this is especially true when it comes to rough-and-tumble games.
5. Female cats are more likely than male cats to urinate mark outside of the litter box, which is one of the most significant behavioral distinctions between the two genders.
6. The age at which a male cat is neutered makes no difference in how likely they are to pee mark, however unneutered males are more likely to urine mark than neutered males (HartHart, 2013).

Which Combination Of Genders Get Along Better?

Females and neutered males were graded on 12 behavioral parameters in a study conducted by Hart and his colleagues in 2013. Cats that are female were shown to be more scared and aggressive toward people and other felines than their male counterparts. Male cats were seen as being more playful, gregarious, and friendly than female cats, according to popular opinion of the time. Because males tend to be more lively than females, it is possible that they will be more rowdy and run around the home in the middle of the night if they are female.

1. (BernsterinFriedmann, 2013).
2. Also mentioned is the fact that male cats are more prone than female cats to create deep ties with other cats in the home, even if the cats in question are not littermates.
3. Considering that male cats are driven to protect their territories, particularly against other tom cats, adopting two former street-fighter tom cats may result in persistent territorial behavior such as urine marking and violence.
4. Female cats may also be wary of other animals in the same family and may assert their dominance over favoured areas of the house or even over their favorite human member of their household.
5. Feminine players do not love rough-and-tumble play as much as male players, and this is especially true when it comes to girls.
6. Female cats are more likely than male cats to urinate mark outside of the litter box, which is one of the most significant behavioral differences between the two species of cats.

When it comes to male cats, the age at which they are neutered makes no difference in their likelihood of marking their territory, however unneutered males are more likely to urinate mark than neutered males (HartHart, 2013).

Should You Get A Male Or Female Cat?

At the end of the day, the decision between getting a male or female cat boils down to personal preference. It may take some trial and error for cat parents to discover their preferred method of communication. It is possible that some cat parents do not have a choice and choose to have one of both or to swap off depending on whatever cat they meet at the shelter with whom they get along the best. However, while there have been reports of variances between male and female cats, it has been shown that the majority of these differences are due to the individual cat and their personality, rather than their gender.

Conclusion

There have been a few recorded distinctions between male and female cats, both in terms of physical appearance and behavioral characteristics. However, in the end, the personality of each individual cat is the most significant distinction. Male cats are frequently noticeably bigger in stature than their female counterparts. According to some research, male cats are more friendly, playful, and sociable than female cats, but female cats are more hostile toward humans and other animals, according to other studies.

• Ultimately, the decision between a male and female cat boils down to the personal preference of the owner, and more often than not, the cat’s irresistibility.
• Petozy is a company that is committed to the enjoyment of pets and their owners.
• American College of Veterinary Surgeons is a source of information (ACVS).
• Obtainable on May 13, 2019.
• Your pet should be spayed or neutered.
• K.J.
• Crowell-Davis published a paper in 1999 titled Gender variations in the social behavior of a neutered indoor-only domestic cat have been observed in this study.

P.

TheDomestic Cat: The Biology of Its Behaviour, edited by D.

Bateson, is available online (p.

Cambridge University Press is located in Cambridge, England.

Hart and L.A.

Purdue University Press is located in West Lafayette, Indiana.

One Simple Method To Help Determine the Gender of a Kitten

Even though it takes a little experience to identify whether a kitten is a boy or a girl, there are a few subtle clues to look for while attempting to establish whether they are males or females. For many individuals, one of the most important decisions they make while caring for a new litter of kittens is determining whether the little cats are male or girl kittens right away.

However, when it comes to kittens, the solution isn’t always apparent. Young boys and girls have a similar appearance, so here are some ideas to assist you distinguish between the two genders. Male and female kittens are seen in this image. Photograph courtesy of Caitlin-Marie Miner Ong

What To Look for To Determine the Gender of a Kitten

The most obvious initial step in determining the gender of a new cat is to examine the area behind its tail. This is simpler to accomplish with short-haired kittens, so if you are checking a long-haired kitten, you may need to comb away any excess fur to make it easier to see. To avoid harming the kitten, make sure it’s resting flat on a blanket and gently pull the tail to prevent it from rolling about. It is never safe to pick up a cat by the tail!

How To Tell the Sex of a Female Kitten

In the case of female kittens, you’ll notice a little hole (the anus) towards the base of the tail with a small slash or line just underneath it. Male kittens don’t have an anus (the vulva). The combination should be shaped somewhat like a lowercase letter “i.” A small amount of fur exists between the anus and the vulva as a result of their close proximity. Illustration of the physical features that can be used to determine the gender of a kitten Photograph courtesy of Caitlin-Marie Miner Ong

How To Tell the Sex of a Male Kitten

If you look closely at a male kitten, you’ll notice a little hole (the anus) near the base of the tail, as well as another spherical form (the scrotum), which is located a little lower down than the anus on a female kitten. Because the anus and scrotum have a small amount of space between them, there will be some hair in the gap between the two. As a male kitten grows older, his testicles will get bigger and easier to differentiate from the testicles of a female cat.

The Connection Between Kitten Coat Color and Gender

It is possible that the coat color of a kitten can help you determine the gender of the kitten, according to Carlene Strandell, director and founder of Smitten with Kittens, a non-profit, foster-based kitten rescue located in Tallahassee, Florida. Females are more common than males in three-colored cats such as calicos and tortoiseshells. Fun fact: Calico and tortoiseshell cats are virtually always females due to the fact that the color patterns are created by genes that are connected to the female genital papillae.

Cat Questions: How Do You Determine The Cat Gender?

Frequently Asked Questions about Cats: How Do You Determine the Gender of a Cat? Do you know how to identify the gender or sex of a cat? Is it simple for you to tell if your cat is a boy or a female just on its appearance?

To make it easier for you, here is a quick technique:

• Lifting the cat’s tail is a good idea. Check the distance between the anus and the entrance of the urinary track. The Urinary Track Opening is closer to the anus in female cats than in male cats. When it comes to male cats, the Urinary Track Opening should be at least 12 inches to an inch away from the Anus.

The gender of a cat may also be determined by the punctuation mark that is provided on the rear. Female cats have a vaginal region that resembles an upside-down exclamation mark, according to some sources. The male cat’s genital region has the appearance of a colon. If you’re still perplexed, here’s an illustration: Still haven’t grasped the concept? Here’s an example of a video: At Makati Dog and Cat Hospital, you may find out more about cats. Take pleasure in tranquility, Sixto Carlos, DVMPet Happiness Expert and Dr.

Luke’s of Pet Hospitals.” Makati Dog and Cat Hospital serves pet parents in and around Makati, Mandaluyong, and BGC P.S.

If you book an overnight stay or two nights or more, we’ll take care of your furry friend’s first night for free!

CALL NOW (896-2860) and ask to speak with Ms.

Mylez. Take pleasure in tranquility, Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MSPet Happiness Expert Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MSPet Happiness Expert Veterinary Clinic of Makati, Inc. The St. Luke’s of Pet Hospitals – a testimonial from a satisfied client serving Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC. Sources: