How To Tell If A Cat Is Male Or Female

How to Tell If a Cat Is Male or Female

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

Sexing Kittens

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

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

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

Photograph by Fajrul Islam / Getty Images

Sexing Grown Cats

For those adopting a grown cat, use the same sexing technique as is used for kittens; this usually works well for both neutered and “whole” cats. If a pet is not spayed or neutered, however, it’ll be easier determining their sex based both on appearance and on behavior. Once cats are spayed or neutered there is no obvious behavior difference between the genders; apparent differences are likely related to individual cat temperaments.

The testicles of unneutered tomcats are easily visible, and their jowls are larger than those of neutered tomcats. They also have distinct characteristics that begin to emerge when they approach adulthood. Male cats who have not been neutered have a tendency to be more energetic and aggressive. They’re also more prone than neutered toms to indicate their territory by spraying pee on their opponents’ property. A female cat who hasn’t been spayed will go into heat approximately every two weeks if she is not neutered. She may exhibit major behavioral changes during this period when she seeks a partner for the first time. Female cats that have not been spayed or neutered are more demanding of attention and verbally noisier during this period. Cats that have been spayed or neutered: Female cats that have been spayed will still display the upside-down “!” symbol, but if she is adopted as an adult, x-rays or an abdominal ultrasound may be required to certify that she has been spayed. When it comes to female cats, it’s critical to determine whether or not they’ve been spayed before they have an unintended litter. Even after being neutered, the majority of male cats will still have vestiges of a testicular sac visible, and the anus and penis will still be quite close together. Cats that have been neutered will not exhibit conventional male or female behaviour. Neutered males are typically more passive than “whole” men, while spayed females do not go into heat
Neutered males are generally more docile than “whole” males.

Sex-Based Differences in Appearance

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

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

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

How to Determine 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.

Advertisement
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.

About This Article

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

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

The writers of this page have together authored a page that has been read 1,443,756 times.

Did this article help you?

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?

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

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

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

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

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

Sexing A Cat Summary

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

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

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

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

It is not as difficult as it appears to determine the gender of your kitten or adult cat. You should be able to tell if your cat is a male or a female based on the distance between the anus and genitalia. 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 based on its coat color or other characteristics. You should consult your local veterinarian to determine the gender of your cat if you are having difficulty determining its gender.

How do I know if my cat’s male?

Identifying the gender of your kitten or adult cat is not as difficult as it may appear at first. You should be able to tell if your cat is a male or a female based on the distance between the anus and genitals. 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 color. If you are having difficulty determining whether your cat is a boy or a female, we recommend that you consult with your local veterinarian.

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

Thank you for your assistance in keeping the site running!

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?

A millimetre or so below the anus, you’ll see that there’s a little aperture, indicating that he’s a male. Foreskin: This is what you see here. The testicles may be found just below the scrotal sac, which is marked by two little lumps. The anus and the foreskin have the appearance of two little circles, one on top of the other, one below the other. A small vertical slit (shaped like a letter I which corresponds to the vaginal opening, indicates that she is female; otherwise, she is male; if she’s female, she’ll have an anus (shaped like a letter I which indicates she’s male; and if she’s male, she will have anus (shaped like a letter I which indicates she is female.

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 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 way to tell whether 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 good guess 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 develop their adult traits. Male and female kittens are virtually indistinguishable 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 typically larger and broader than their sisters’, and their cheekbones are typically blockier than their sisters.
A male cat who has been neutered at an early stage in his development will have a significantly less “masculine” appearance than a male cat who has been neutered later in life or who is still an entire cat.
Women’s faces are typically more pointed and narrower than a man’s, and they have a more slender muzzle and smaller whisker pads than men do.
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 features of a cat should only be used as a guide to the cat’s probable sex rather than as a definitive indicator of whether the cat is female or male in nature.

Several other physical characteristics of a cat that can be used to determine its gender will be discussed in the following 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.

Differences Between Male and Female Cats

Knowing the biological distinctions between male and female cats, you may be wondering if one sex is better than the other when it comes to selecting a new feline buddy to join your family. Fortunately, there is no such question. Investigating the differences between strutting toms and purring mums may assist you in selecting a cat that is more compatible with your lifestyle and personality. So, do you want a male or a female cat as your pet? We must first examine the distinctions between male and female cats before we can provide a satisfactory response to that issue.

Which Sex Is Better Behaved?

The most noticeable behavioral differences between male and female cats are found in cats who have not been neutered or spayed, as the variances are mainly tied to the cat’s sex drive. Male cats, for example, may become more aggressive, spray urine, and attempt to flee the house as they reach the stage of sexual maturity. Female cats, on the other hand, tend to grow more affectionate, and some are known to rub on virtually everything while also being quite noisy. There is no consensus on whether all cats of either sexe behave in a specific way, despite the fact that the majority of non-neutered and non-spayed male and female cats exhibit extremely unique habits.

The majority of adoption facilities aggressively urge cat owners to spay and neuter their animals.

According to a research conducted by the University of California Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital on more than 1,000 cat owners, the breed or color of your cat may actually be a stronger predictor of personality, according to The Sacramento Bee (subscription required).

Most cat owners and veterinarians, on the other hand, would warn you that picking a cat based on its gender or color does not ensure that you will receive a cuddling kitty or an independent cat.

The environment in which a cat is reared, as well as the personality of the pet parent, can frequently have a greater impact on behavior than heredity.

A+ for Appearance

Cat breeds are frequently more difficult to recognize than canine breeds. Your future cat might have a combination of characteristics, as well as a particular color and a long or short coat. Male cats of any breed are often a bit bigger in stature than their female counterparts, as is the case with most animals. However, in general, both males and female cats tend to weigh between 6 and 12 pounds and stand between 8 and 10 inches in height, depending on the breed. In addition to the sort of food you give your cat, the quantity of activity he or she receives, and his or her overall health will all have an impact on his or her look.

To choose a new cat to adopt, visit an adoption center that offers a diverse selection of cats of all ages, breeds and personalities for you to choose from.

For the first time meeting a cat, sit near the cat and wait for him or her to come over and say hello.

And always give yourself plenty of time to get to know a variety of cats before making a final pick.

Should I Get a Male or Female Cat?

The reality is that when it comes to picking the purrfect companion for you, the gender of the cat isn’t important at all. Male and female cats exhibit certain behavioral variations as they mature from kittens to adults, but a cat’s genetic makeup and environment have a greater influence on how well you and your cat will interact. So take the time to get to know a few cats and choose the one who you believe will become your lifelong companion. The distinctions between male and female cats should only play a minor influence in the decision to get a cat.

Contributor Bio

Chrissie Klinger is a model and actress. Chrissie Klinger is a pet mom who likes spending time with her furkids, two of her own children, and her husband at their shared home in the suburbs of Chicago. When Chrissie isn’t teaching, writing, or blogging, she likes spending time with her entire family, especially her children. Writing articles that assist pet owners live a more active and meaningful life with their dogs is something she is passionate about.

How to Choose a New Cat or Kitten

Home What to Look for When Purchasing a New Cat or Kitten In the United States, there are 69 million cats kept as pets. Is there a cat out there that is just right for you? The most important thing to remember is to get a cat or kitten that will fit well with your lifestyle. It matters if you are single, have a family with children, have many cats at home, or have both cats and other animals in your home. Having “personalities” is something that cats are widely recognized for. Aside from distinctions in temperament, there are also disparities in size, body types, and hair lengths that should be taken into consideration while making your pick.

Choosing a breed of dog “Cat Fancy” is the term used to describe the activity of breeding and displaying cats.

Whether you pick a purebred or a mixed breed cat, the following qualities, which are distinctive of each breed, might assist you in finding the ideal companion for you. Consider these characteristics and consult the CFA website for breed information (s).

Size: Depending on the breed and sexe, full-grown cats can weigh anywhere from 4 to more than 20 pounds. Hair length: Cats have three different hair lengths that are commonly classified as short, medium, and long. There are some breeds that are completely hairless, such as the Sphynx. The majority of cat breeds have short hair. Aside from appearances, hairlength should be a crucial consideration because many long-haired cats require daily maintenance, which may be time-consuming. Type of body: Foreign and cobby bodies are divided into two categories: cobby and foreign. A Cobby body type cat has short legs and a big chest (think American Shorthair), whereas a foreign body cat is slender and elegant in appearance (think Persian) (like a Siamese). Due to the fact that not every cat type can be clearly classified, the term “semi” is used to denote a propensity toward one body type or another. Colors and patterns of a cat’s coat: The patterns and colors of a cat’s coat are the key factors in determining the look of a cat. The fur might be pointed, colored, or banded depending on the style. Colors range from black to white, from blue to orange, and everything in between. Color descriptors provided by the CFA may differ significantly from what you perceive. For example, the color “Blue” is actually a “medium grey,” whereas the color “Seal” is actually a dark brown. Patterns range from solid to mixes in their appearance. Calicos feature brilliant spots of color that are readily identifiable. A tabby’s coat is often striped or spotted, and the cat has a “wild type” appearance. Activity level: The activity level of your new feline family member is an extremely significant factor when selecting your new feline family member – different breeds will have varying degrees of activity. If you have children or are searching for a “lap cat,” then a breed recognized for its calm disposition is the right choice for you (look for American Shorthairs or Persians). It’s possible that you’ll be getting an Abyssinian in the near future if you enjoy an energetic, lively cat. If you are adopting a cat from a shelter, make sure to inquire about the cat’s temperament and activity level so that you can ensure that the cat will be a good fit for your home.

Choosing a male or female Each gender has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Male cats are often significantly bigger than female cats. Males, often known as toms, might be more friendly than females. Females respond to male cats’ “spray” by “howling” for them, and intact male cats “howl” for them (this is typically not an issue if you neuter him)
Female cats are often more reserved than male cats, although they are far less prone to spray. Females have a tendency to howl when they are in heat and can get pregnant before they reach the age of one year
See your veterinarian about having your female spayed.

There are several more factors.

Until they are 10-12 weeks old, kittens should not be removed from their moms for any reason. The kittens will have been weaned, will have been taught some valuable skills by their mother (not the least of which is how to use the litter box), and will have had some beneficial socialization by this time. Take precautions to ensure that your cat has been properly vaccinated before bringing them home. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible for a wellness check. You should “cat proof” your house before bringing your new cat home by removing breakable or hazardous things from easily accessible areas.

However, these are only a few of the considerations that should be considered. There are plenty others. Try to absorb as much information as you can about your new feline companion. Return to the top of the page