Photos: Determining the Sex of a Cat
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 simple techniques to determine the gender of your kitten. If you’ve developed a positive bond with the cat, you can take him or her up and raise its tail (because we still don’t know what gender the cat is, after all). The support of a friend or family member can be necessary if the kitten isn’t responding well to your efforts.
Once the cat’s tail is raised, you should be able to see the cat’s genitals and anus in their entirety.
The opposite is true if the two markings are closely contiguous on a kitten or less than 1/2 inch apart on an adult, which indicates that it is a female.
Take a look at the images below.
Male or Female Kitten?
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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.
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).
Two tiny, firm, oval-shaped items should be palpated beneath the skin. In this picture, you can see the testicles, which are very tough to grip since they slither away beneath your fingers. It goes without saying that if testicles are present, your kitten is a boy.
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.
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.
This material is not intended to be a replacement for professional veterinary treatment. Keep in mind that you should always follow the recommendations supplied by your veterinarian.
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
- The distance between the anus and the penis is relatively large (about 1/2 inch between them)
- In most cases, the penis is concealed, although the region around it will appear more like a circle rather than a slit. Even while the testicles won’t be clearly visible until the kitten is 6 to 10 weeks old, you should be able to see surplus hair and tissue between the anus and the penis, which is where the testicles will eventually develop. Still not convinced? Palpate the scrotum area (on a suspected male) gently with your thumb and forefinger using your index and middle fingers. Having a boy is easy to tell if you feel two little, oval-shaped items beneath the skin.
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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.
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. In a similar vein, about three out of every four orange tabby cats are invariably male.
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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There are various different procedures that different individuals use to discern sex, and some are more reliable than others. We’ll take a look at all of the major tactics that people use to distinguish between boys and girls. Color of the coat This can provide you with a decent insight in some cases – but it is not always accurate! Tortoiseshell cats are nearly invariably female — a cat needs two X chromosomes in order to be a tortie (a combination of three distinct colors) or a calico (a mix of three different colors) (patches of three different colours).
- Ginger tabbies are typically male – however this is not always the case.
- Characteristics of the face When fully grown, tomcats have a leaner, more muscular body, a larger face, and a heavier cranium than other felines.
- Male and female kittens have facial characteristics that are sufficiently similar that it is impossible to distinguish between the sexes based on them.
- Tomcats, on the other hand, are known for secreting pungent-smelling secretions from the base of their tails (known as “stud tail”).
- Despite the fact that urine spraying is more prevalent in adult tomcats than in kittens, all cats will spray if they are disturbed, thus this isn’t a particularly reliable indication.
- However, it is not as simple as it appears since, unlike other animals, male cats have a completely retractile penis that points rearward beneath their bottom, whilst female cats have their vulva in a position that is nearly identical to that of male cats.
- If at all feasible, use a delicate touch to locate his testicles, which are normally located between the anus (top hole) and penis (bottom hole) in a male kitten and are about the size of a little pea apiece.
- Although some kittens are timid (particularly if they are terrified of being handled by an unfamiliar adult), it is possible that he has brought them up inside and out of harm’s way if you are unable to locate any.
- The anogenital distance is another really valuable marker – but it’s much simpler to compare a couple of different kittens when there are plenty to choose from.
- Another thing to look for is the form of the vaginal opening, which is the last item to inspect (the bottom hole).
- So, when you look at them from behind, you can see that a female has a spherical anus and a slit-like vulva that looks like the letter I.
The boys, on the other hand, have two circular holes, such as a: Testicles, distance between them, and form should all be considered, but you can also just bring them in and our vets and nurses will be able to tell you all you need to know about them.
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 appropriately sex a kitten, it should be at least 6 weeks old. Before this age, the kitten is too young to notice the minute distinctions between males and females, making it impossible 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.
- 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.
- For more information, see our tutorial on how to pick up a cat.
- As soon as they raise their tail, you will be able to see everything on their rear end.
- 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).
- 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?
Identifying the sex of an older cat will be easier if the cat has not been spayed or neutered. The testicles of a male cat will be visible, and you may even observe some aggressive behaviors such as clawing and biting, as well as territorial marking, that are associated with full-grown male cats. In order to locate a mate, a female that has not been spayed will come into season on a regular basis, making her more loud and attention-seeking while she searches for a partner. In addition, a female cat who has already had a litter would most likely have more visible nipples as a result of feeding the kittens – keep in mind that male cats can have nipples as well, but they will be considerably less noticeable.
Even if a male has been neutered, you may be able to detect a faint testicular sac, and you may use the distance between the anus and genitals as a reference to determine the gender of the animal.
In terms of behavior, a spayed female will not go into heat, while a neutered male will normally be calmer and less aggressive than his unspayed counterpart.
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.
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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.
The anus is located around three millimetres apart from the penis in adult cats.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- In some instances, a genetic mutation has occurred, resulting in the cat having three chromosomes, denoted by the letters XXY.
- 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.
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 Do You Determine a Cat’s Sex?
Imagine staring down at a litter of lovely, teeny little foster kittens (since fostering is the only way you could ever have kittens that young in your house, right?) and thinking, “I wish I could take them all home with me.” .and you’re considering if you should try to figure out who’s a guy and who’s a girl. In any case, how else are you going to come up with fantastic titles for them? Photo courtesy of Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License Matt Metts is a professional baseball player.
- After that, you pick up the next one, which is two little dots.
- In addition, there are two little dots.
- We at Catster have you covered, so don’t be concerned.
- Men are difficult to distinguish since their testicles have not descended into the scrotum at this point in time.
- The only genuine method to discern the difference between males and girls is through a rather thorough examination.
A simple illustration of what you could see and how to interpret it is provided below: Females have a greater distance between the two dots than men, which is due to the fact that males require more space between their anus and their penile opening in preparation for the day when their testicles do descend into the penile aperture.
- You may nearly be guaranteed that a kitten with calico or tortie markings is a female if you have one of these colors.
- Female cats are more likely to be found in households where there are calico or tortie cats.
- Orange tabbies, on the other hand, might be either male or female.
- They’ll be really grateful for it!
- That’s a little bit (or a lot) more difficult because you can’t get close enough to them to do anything.
- The good news is that If you happen to come across a group of cats with ears that look like these.
- Because those cats have been spayed or neutered and returned to the location where they were found, there is no need to be concerned about whether they are male or female at that point in time.
- If you don’t notice the tip of an ear missing, you might be able to determine who is a man at the very least by observing some of the secondary sex features that are present.
- Because guys grow sexually mature, they develop fat pads around their cheeks, which can be seen in this photograph.
- Large fat pads on the sides of the faces of intact male cats, or male cats who achieved sexual maturity before being neutered, are a sign of their health.
- They’ll also be a little more battle-scarred as a result of all the battles they’ve been involved in.
Except if the cat in issue has really long hair, you should be able to see the testicles of intact male cats rather well as well. It is hoped that this quick lesson will be of use to you in determining the gender of the cats under your supervision or in your area.
Male vs Female Cat: What Are The Differences?
Imagine staring down at a litter of lovely, teeny little foster kittens (since fostering is the only way you could ever have kittens that young in your house, right?) and thinking to yourself: “I wish I could take them all home with me.” in this case you consider it necessary to determine who is a male and who is a girl. After all, how else are you going to come up with fantastic names for them? CC-BY-SA license for this image Matt Metts is an American football player who plays in the National Football League.
- Pick up the next one, which has two small dots, and repeat the process.
- In addition, there are two little circles.
- We at Catster have you covered, so don’t be worried.
- Because their testicles have not descended into the scrotum yet, males might be difficult to distinguish.
- It is only via a rather thorough inspection that men and females can be distinguished.
An example of what you could see and how to understand it is provided below: Females have a greater distance between the two dots than men, which is due to the fact that males require more space between their anus and their penile opening in preparation for the day when their testicles do descend into the penile canal.
- You can nearly be guaranteed that a kitten with calico or tortie markings is a female if you have one of those colors.
- It is almost clear that a solid orange cat with white spots, or a solid orange cat with white patches without white spots, is male.
- Once you’ve determined which kittens are males and which are females, you may return to caressing the cuter end of the spectrum.
- The question arises, though, when you’re trying to determine the sexes of the local feral colony cats from afar.
- You might be able to get a closer look if you borrow some binoculars.
- You should be on the lookout for a group of cats with ears that like this.
- Because those cats have been spayed or neutered and returned to the location where they were found, there is no need to be concerned about which ones are males or females.
- If the tip of an ear isn’t missing, you might be able to determine who is a man at the very least by looking at some of the secondary sex traits of the individual.
- Because guys grow sexually mature, they develop fat pads around their cheeks, which can be seen in the picture.
- Large fat pads on the sides of the faces of intact male cats, or male cats who achieved sexual maturity before being neutered, indicate that they are not neutered.
- Because of all the battles they’ve been involved in, they’ll also be a little more battle-scarred.
You should be able to see the testicles of intact male cats quite well as well, unless the cat in question has extensive fur. Perhaps this quick instruction can prove useful in determining the gender of cats under your care or in your community.
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?
The most significant morphological and behavioral differences between male and female cats exist. In addition to being normally larger, male cats have a higher proclivity to mark with their pee. Despite common opinion, male cats are typically thought to be more loving than female cats, while female cats are frequently regarded to be more aggressive toward humans and other cats. Continue reading to learn more about the distinctions.
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.
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.
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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.
B.L. Hart and L.A. Hart, “Your Ideal Cat: Insights Into Breed and Gender Differences in Cat Behavior,” in Your Ideal Cat: Insights Into Breed and Gender Differences in Cat Behavior. Purdue University Press is located in West Lafayette, Indiana.