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.
- These distressed yowls are attracted to toms, but they may be quite distressing to people.
- She may come into contact with people and items more frequently.
- 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.
- 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 To Tell Cat Gender By Face – Want To Know That Exciting Thing?
The genitals of a cat are the only method to reliably detect the gender of the cat. Especially with senior cats, this is less difficult to accomplish! For those unfamiliar with kittens in their infancy, identifying males and females might be difficult without prior knowledge. To get a good look at the cat’s genitals, you’ll need to carefully raise the tail up. As long as 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 in your lap.
- Cats are known to naturally raise their tails in response to this situation.
- Wrapping the cat with a towel or blanket may be essential in some cases.
- The testicles will be visible throughout the whole tom.
- Only the anus and vagina are present in a female cat.
- According to your veterinarian, the cat should be at least six months old before undergoing the surgery.
It is normally performed around the age of five months, however it may be performed sooner in rare instances. Cats who have been de-sexed are happier and simpler to care for, and they are also more resistant to many ailments.
How To Tell Cat Gender By Face
Some people use this approach to determine the gender of their cats on a regular basis. First, you examine the expressions on the faces of both cats. First and foremost, you will have the appearance of two entirely distinct faces. The upshot is that male cats frequently have a more solid and rounder face than female cats. Meanwhile, female cats have a longer nose than male cats of the same breed, giving them a more feminine appearance. The reason for this, according to the explanation, is that when male cats develop and finalize their sexual orientation, the fat pads around their cheeks grow rapidly.
- Furthermore, many cat owners say that female cats frequently have a lot nicer, brighter face, as opposed to male cats, who are highly aggressive and sometimes irritable in their demeanor.
- In addition, they have wide and broad nose wings, a large forehead, and prominent cheekbones in the case of male cats.
- You can notice some of the facial characteristics of different cats in the image above and determine their gender.
- However, it is not always possible to determine whether or not a cat is equal.
- For your information, here is a source:
Conclusion
There are a variety of methods for determining cat sex. More information may be found on the internet, or you can seek guidance from your veterinarian for more information. Take notice that face recognition of cats is not the most scientific method available, nor does it have the highest likelihood of being correct in every case. It is not recommended to rely only on this strategy for accuracy. If you’re interested in learning more, you may do so here:
3 Ways to Determine the Gender of a Kitten
Due to the fact that kitten genitals are not as developed as those of adult cats, determining the gender of a kitten is a gamble. Even pros have difficulty telling the difference between a female cat and a male kitten at first look. However, even in kittens as young as five weeks old, a few distinguishing characteristics may be noticed, including changes in genital spacing, coat color, and behavior, which can be used to determine their gender.
Careful Handling
During the first several weeks of a kitten’s existence, avoid interfering with the mother-kitten bond. An overly handled kitten at this period may cause the mother to forsake the kitten and stop feeding it completely. So try not to become overly concerned in determining the gender of your kittens. Instead, wait until your kittens are at least two weeks old—and preferably longer—before you begin touching them. It is essential to keep your kitten’s stress level to a bare minimum while determining its gender.
It’s possible that scratching their back just at the base of their tail will force them to involuntarily lift their tail, giving you a bird’s eye view of the areas in concern.
For those kittens that are standoffish or anxious, defer the inspection until a later date and focus your attention on a less sensitive member of the litter instead.
Identifying the Genitals
Some breeders compare the look of kitten genitalia at two weeks of age to the development of punctuation marks. With the vertical vaginal opening situated right below the anus and very little space in between, the genitals of a female kitten will resemble an upside-down exclamation point (when the cat is upside down and facing you). The penis of a male kitten is more like to that of a colon, with the penis located directly below the anus and separated by enough space to accommodate the testicles of the kitten.
If, based on your visual inspection, every kitten appears to be the same to you, then choose one and gently insert your index finger and middle finger on each side of the scrotum area of the cat (on a suspected boy).
In this picture, you can see the testicles, which are very tough to grip since they slither away beneath your fingers.
Coat Color
Another, more straightforward, but less reliable, approach to determine the gender of your kitten is to look at the color of its coat. Cats that are tortoiseshell or tri-colored are virtually always female. Because this coloring is primarily due to the chromosomal composition of female cats, you can pretty well assure that anycalicocat is also a female cat. Cats that are orange or ginger in color, on the other hand, are almost always male (think of the iconic male tabby cats). Although this feature is more dependable than the tri-colored trait, only three-quarters of ginger-colored cats are male, making it a less reliable characteristic overall.
Behavior
As kittens grow in size, they begin to acquire distinct personalities that distinguish them from one another. As they attain sexual maturity, male “tom kittens” may begin to prowl the streets. Their behavior can also become territorial, with them often spraying to establish their home base and keep trespassers at bay. Males are also more agitated and violent than females. The “coming of age” of female kittens can begin as early as four months old, with loud yowls and attention-seeking behavior signaling the beginning of this “coming of age.” Spaying or neutering your kitten as soon as it is born (the typical advice is between five and six months, although pediatric spay and neutering can be performed as early as six to eight weeks) can lessen the likelihood that your cat will exhibit these gender subtleties.
Male cats, according to some, are friendlier and more extroverted than their female counterparts.
As a result, pick your pet based on the connection you feel with it during your first encounter, and pay less attention to its gender.
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.
Do Male And Female Cats Have Different Facial Features?
At first look, it’s tough to determine the difference between male and female cats. For the majority of cat owners, it is necessary to wait until their cat reaches adulthood. Only when it engages in mating activity or sprays becomes its sexual orientation apparent. The structure and form of a cat’s body, on the other hand, might provide a hint as to its identity. It turns out that you can identify the gender of a cat by looking at its face. Male and female cats have facial characteristics that are distinct from one another.
This is due to the fact that distinct sex hormones are responsible for the development of secondary traits in different individuals.
Male cats tend to be bigger and heavier than female cats, which is a normal tendency in the cat population.
Females, on the other hand, are smaller and lighter in weight, with more delicate and thin physical characteristics.
Do Male Cats Have Bigger Heads than Females?
Male cats are larger in stature than female cats. This is due in part to the fact that their cerebral bone structure is larger and heavier than ours. They also have greater muscle and a larger frame than females, which allows them to grow far larger than females. When you put it all together, it follows that a larger cat must also have a larger head. This is a generalization on my part. There are outliers among breeds, and even within the same breed, depending on the situation. If you have a female cat that is larger than a male cat, the head of the female cat will be larger as a result.
As they grow older, their body types and head sizes will evolve accordingly.
More particular signals should be investigated if you want to have a strong grasp of the cat’s sexual orientation.
Role of Hormones in Growth
Typically, if you do not intend to breed your cats, you will neuter your male cat before he reaches the age of one year. When it comes to male cats, neutering them before they reach the age of one will prevent them from developing: This is due to the fact that neutering will remove the testicles. Testosterone is produced mostly by the testicles in males. This hormone is crucial for the development and maintenance of muscle mass and strength. By reducing your cat’s testosterone levels before it reaches full maturity, you can avoid the onset of natural sexual activities that would normally manifest themselves between the ages of 4 and 6 months.
- An increase in the amount of growth hormone produced by a male cat results in greater density of bone and bone marrow.
- Males have a blockier and more sturdier structure, as well as greater muscle, which helps to explain why they have more muscle.
- A study published in the journal Reproduction in Domestic Animals reported that two groups of male cats were neutered: one at seven weeks and another at seven months.
- It was also shown that fixed male cats had a greater risk of fractures than nonfixed male cats.
This is due to the fact that neutering prevents the excessive bone development and density that occurs in unfixed males. As a result, male cats, whether fixed or unfixed, have bigger and thicker bones than female cats.
How to Tell Cat Gender by Face
Aside from its head size, the facial traits of a cat can be used to determine its gender. Although it is possible that it will be more subtle depending on the cat breed. If your cat is not spayed or neutered, it will begin to develop sex traits that correspond to the gender of the cat. This is similar to the case with head size. This is due to the fact that leaving your cat unfixed allows for the production of sex-related hormones. The development of male or female structures is aided by this factor.
In the following table, you will find numerous qualities to keep an eye out for:
Facial Features | Male Cat | Female Cat |
Cheeks | – Cheek pads look like jowls – Cheekbones are blocky | – Smaller cheek pads – Cheekbones are slender |
Snout | – Larger (length and width) – Angular | – Narrow – Slender – Longer |
Whisker Pads | – Large – More pronounced | – Small – Less Prominent |
Forehead | – Large, thick – Blocky structure | – Small – Gently curved structure |
Nose Wing | – Broad | – Tiny and dainty |
Fur Coloration(certain cat breeds) | – Tortoiseshell and calico cats are rarely male | – Tortoiseshell and calico cats are almost always female |
Why Do Male Cats Have Big Cheeks?
Male cats have larger cheeks, which is only one of the secondary sex traits that may be observed. Sex hormone production and secretion result in the development of secondary traits in males and females. These features can be observed on the body in a visible way. They’re identical to the changes that occur during puberty in humans.
Cheek Pads
Male cats have more developed cheek pads than female cats, and this is reflected in their appearance. Have you ever come across an adult male cat (commonly known as a tomcat) that was not fixed? You may have noticed that his cheek pads more closely resemble jowls than his cheeks. Jowls are a little droop in the skin around the chin or cheeks that can be seen in some people. If you are familiar with the appearance of bulldogs, you may have noticed that their cheek pads droop past their mouths and that their skin is loose.
Cheek Bones
Male cats also have more angular cheekbones than female cats, which is another distinguishing characteristic. This is due to the fact that their bone structures are bigger and larger. Male cats are known for having blocky cheekbones, which add to their classic appearance.
Whisker Pads
Male cats have different whisker pads, which are the part of the cheek where the cat’s whiskers grow from, than female cats. He has larger and more prominent whisker pads than females, which are more delicate and dainty. These whisker pads, like their cheekbones, serve to accentuate the appearance of their larger-looking cheeks. Male cats’ larger cheeks and whisker pads may be the result of an evolutionary adaptation. While engaged in fights or scuffles, they act as a type of “protective padding.” Male cats, whether wild or domestic, compete with one another for mates.
A male’s ability to withstand more attacks is enhanced when his cheeks are larger and fuller.
The greater the thickness of the cheeks, the greater the likelihood that they will win and then mate with a female cat in heat.
Male Cats Have Bigger Snouts
This region of the face consists of the mouth, nose, and whiskers and is called the snout. Cats have a protruding section of their faces that protrudes from the flat area of their heads. This is located below where its eyes are located. Because male cats are often larger in stature than female cats, their snouts are naturally larger as well. When you look at the snouts of male and female cats side by side, it becomes evident that they are different.
The nose of the female cat will be more slim and narrow than that of the male cat. Unlike female snouts, male snouts are blocky in shape and have a more stiff structure. Because female snouts are more delicate and narrower than male snouts, females tend to be shorter than males.
Male Cats Have Larger Foreheads
We are beginning to see a similar tendency in the differences between male and female cat characteristics. Because males have sturdier and stronger bone structures, their foreheads are inherently larger than those of females. The male cat’s forehead seems blockier and more geometric than that of a female cat. Females, on the other hand, have a more soft, inclined structure to their forehead.
Male Cats Have Broader Noses
Male and female cats have a more slight difference in their facial features. Male cats, on the other hand, have larger nose wings than female cats. This causes the breadth of the nose to be stretched from one nostril to the other. It is much broader in male cats than in female cats.
Fur Coloration is Very Telling
The color of a cat’s facial fur varies solely between particular kinds of cats. In the case of cats with tortoiseshell or calico coats, females are more likely than males to be found. It has everything to do with genetics. The sex of your cat is determined by two chromosomes. A pair of X chromosomes (XX) results in a female cat when they are combined. While this is happening, an XY couple produces a male cat. These sex chromosomes are associated with the calico and tortoiseshell fur patterns, respectively.
There are, on the other hand, a few exceptional cases.
It is conceivable to have a male calico or a male tortoiseshell in a population of such cats.
Male cats with calico or tortoiseshell coats are quite unusual, and there is a good explanation for this.
How To Sex A Cat
Despite the fact that it is not always simple, you can discern the sex of a cat by its face. Male cats are bulkier, more robust, angular, and blockier in appearance than female cats. As a result, their faces are more rough and strong. Female cats are often more thin, narrow, fragile, and, in some cases, petite than male cats. Male cats are also bigger in stature than female cats. This is mainly due to the fact that their bones are heavier and thicker. When you have two cats to compare, it is always simpler to discern the difference between male and female cats.
If you’re still not sure, a brief trip to the veterinarian will provide you with an answer.
This is something that can be done at home.
The anus and genital hole of your cat will need to be examined, according to the Washington State University Vet Med.
- A male cat has a greater distance between his anus (the hole directly below the base of his tail) and his genital opening (the hole below the anus)
- A female cat has a smaller space between her anus and her genital opening. When compared to male cats, female cats have a shorter distance between her anus and her genital entrance. Furthermore, you may have noticed that her genital hole has a little slit
- This is because
This does not, however, take the place of veterinary experience.
In order to determine the gender of your cat, it is preferable to get it examined by a veterinarian firsthand.
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 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.
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- s3 Look for the genitalia that distinguishes a male cat from a female 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 First, look at the color. You should look at the colour of the kittens if you have a litter of kittens
- 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.
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- 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
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- 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.
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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.
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It can be difficult to determine the gender of a cat at times, especially if there is no other cat (or kitten) with which to compare the anatomy. So what is the best way to know if you have a Merlin or a Misty, a Rex or a Ruby on your hands? Here are a few measures you can do to determine the gender of your kitten.If you’ve built a nice rapport with the cat, pick him or her up and lift its tail (because we still don’t know the gender). The support of a friend or family member can be necessary if the kitten isn’t responding well to your efforts.
Male cats have a far bigger space between their genitals and anus than female cats — 12 inches apart on a male kitten and more than 1 inch apart on an adult male cat — and this gap is much higher than that of female cats.
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Determining Gender (Sex) of a Kitten
After bringing home a cat that you want to call Sam, your roommate advises that you should instead consider the name Samantha as a more appropriate name. When you know what to look for, determining the sex (gender) of a kitten is simple. Take the kitten’s tail in your hand. The anus is a small aperture located directly below the tail. The vaginal entrance is located below the anus and is spherical in males and a vertical slit in females, respectively. If you look at two kittens of comparable size, the male has a wider space between the anus and the genital entrance than the female.
The hue of the kitten may provide some insight about its gender.
Orange kittens are more likely to be male than female, despite the fact that the relationship between color and sex is not as strong as it is in the calico/tortishell combination.
Keep in mind that you should always follow the recommendations supplied by your veterinarian.
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.
- Generally speaking, male cats are bigger than female cats, especially if they were not neutered until after they reached sexual maturity.
- These cheeks serve as a visual cue to both ladies and other guys about their physical health.
- If you acquire an older male cat, you may find that his cheeks are bigger and more endearing.
- For example, female kittens open their eyes earlier than male kittens, allowing them to perceive the world earlier than male kittens.
- 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).
- Male cats also have a significant physical disadvantage that must be considered.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Females do not love playing as much as guys do, and this is especially true when it comes to rough-and-tumble games.
- 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.
- 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).
Which Combination Of Genders Get Along Better?
Some people will advise you that some cat combinations are preferable than others if you are considering having more than one cat. If you are thinking about having more than one cat, you may receive advice from others. There is anecdotal evidence suggesting male-female combos are superior to male-male or female-female combinations, to name a few examples. However, according to a research conducted by Barry and Crowell-Davis (1999), there were no significant changes in good or negative social behaviors between households with solely male cats, only female cats, or a combination of male and female cats in residence.
- Most notably, the findings of this study demonstrated that individual cats differ significantly in their social behavior and that the individual personality of the cats is more essential to examine than whether the cats are males or females.
- Because cats are territorial, it takes a considerable time and effort to introduce them to a new environment.
- It assures that you will get two cats who get along and enjoy each other’s company if you adopt littermates from the same litter.
- They are also able to occupy and play with one another rather than assaulting your feet when they become bored, which is a significant advantage.
It is preferable to acquire two unknown cats if you can discover older littermates who are available for adoption or seek for ‘bonded companions’ in a shelter rather than two stranger cats.
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.
How To Tell A Cat’s Gender By Its Face?
Currently, there are no scientifically confirmed ways for distinguishing between male and female cats based only on their appearance. The fact is, there are several ideas that indicate how to accomplish this, however it may be difficult to discern between them if you don’t have a pair of cats to compare them against. In a study released in 1999, researchers found that with adequate training, observers could identify the gender of a subject, but that this was based on the same relativity as multiple choice.
(sagepub.com) In certain cats, there are notable facial features that are more noticeable depending on their breed.
Cats come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and without examining their genitals, there is no definitive method to identify whether a cat is male or female simply by looking at its face. However, there are certain hypotheses that can help us determine whether a cat is male or female.
Gender Recognition By Face, Color And Size Theories
It is stated that the form of a cat’s face can reveal the gender of the cat in question. Male cats are supposed to have a more rounder face with larger jowls than their female counterparts, but female cats are thought to have a longer nose than male cats. It is possible that this recommendation will alter if you have a male and a female of two distinct breeds.
Color
The hue of their face and coat can occasionally be used to distinguish between the two sexes in certain situations. In most cases, the black and orange or tri-colored calicos indicate a female, whilst the orange and ginger colored coats indicate the presence of a man. Not to say that the potential of a female cat with an orange-colored coat does not exist; it only implies that the likelihood of such an occurrence is extremely unlikely.
Size
As previously said, the face of a male cat is more prominent than the rest of its body, but what about the rest of its body? Generally speaking, a male cat will be significantly bigger than a female cat. In other circumstances, where food is a factor, this may not be the case. Realistically, however, if a male and female cat of the same breed were placed on the same diet with the same amount of food, the chances are that the male would always come out on top in terms of body growth and strength.
Other Differences In Gender
Aside from the obvious, there are a number of other criteria that may be considered when establishing the gender of a cat.
Personality
Male cats, on the whole, are more loving toward their owners than female cats. The difference in attachment between certain female cats who had kittens and their owners is most likely due to the fact that they have maternal instincts, which would have drawn them away from their owners to care for their babies in the first place. Generally speaking, female cats have a higher level of independence, and they don’t mind being left alone for lengthy periods of time. Personality is mostly determined by the cat’s upbringing and the environment in which it grows up.
It is possible for a male cat who was hostile and aloof to become calm and loving thereafter, and the reverse is also true.
Mating Tendencies
Males are more aggressive than females in cats who have not had their reproductive organs removed, and this is especially true when they detect a female in heat. The male will mark his area with urine, signaling to other males that they should stay away. Female cats are well-known for meowing and wailing throughout the night, alerting any males that may be in the vicinity.
Territory
Male cats are known to be more territorial than female cats, however this varies from cat to cat and is dependent on the animal. However, some female cats might get hostile if they perceive a male is violating their territory, particularly if her kittens are involved.
How To Tell The Sex Of A Cat By Looking At its Genitals
To acquire a definitive answer, you’ll have to look at their genital organs. Three years ago, I brought home two kittens that I believed to be females. I was wrong. I didn’t care to look into it at the time since I had faith in the person from whom I was adopting them. As a pet owner, I made a mistake by acting in such a reckless manner. After all was said and done, the cat in question turned out to be male, and I was the delighted owner of a new kitten just a few months later. Fortunately, she only gave birth to a single kitten.
So, what is the best way to determine the gender of a cat?
You will need to pick up the cat and place it in a safe and secure location.
The majority of cats appreciate having that region rubbed and will instantly elevate their tails when it happens to them.
In addition, the scrotum and urinary tract will be roughly one inch apart, or one-half inch for a kitten, when viewed from the rear of the animal.
An anus and an entrance that serves the urinary tract and the vulva will be present in a female cat’s anatomy. A vertical slit will be present in the vulva. This point and the anus in females are around one-half inch apart, with the space between them being approximately one-half inch.
Final Thought
Even while the most accurate technique to determine the gender of a cat is to examine its genitals, there are other methods that may be used to determine the cat’s gender. For those who want 100 percent precision, they are not always the most appropriate techniques for you. The best course of action if you are still undecided or have concerns is to check with a veterinarian. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, right?