Determine Your Cat's Gender: Easy Tips & Tricks!
Sex determination in adult cats is relatively straightforward, as males typically have more pronounced testicles.
However, distinguishing the genders in kittens can be quite challenging. Today, I'd like to discuss how to identify a kitten's gender with ease.
1. Calm the Kitten
To inspect a kitten's gender, you'll need to pick it up and lift its tail to get a clear view. This requires the kitten to feel comfortable and safe with you. So, start by spending some quiet time with the kitten, or simply crouch down and wait for it to come to you.
2. Lift the Tail Gently
Once the kitten is at ease, gently pick it up and, if it's more comfortable sitting, use one hand to softly lift its tail. This will reveal the "hindquarters" area. Be careful not to pull the tail too roughly.
If the kitten is shy and resists having its tail lifted, you can gently lift the skin connecting the tail root to the back. This should prompt the kitten to lift its tail on its own.
3. Male Characteristics
Male kittens have more distinct reproductive features compared to females, making it easier to identify. Males have an anus, testicles (scrotum), and a penis, whereas females only have an anus and the opening of the urethra.
The testicles extend from the male kitten's rump and are marked by two prominent little balls of fur. However, in longhaired breeds like the Ragdoll, the testicles may be harder to see, so a gentle touch can help identify them. (Neutered males still have a small scrotum.)
The penis is located below the testicles and is hidden beneath the skin. There's a fluffy little bump between the kitten's thighs with a nearly circular opening. This is where the penis is hidden. The distance between the anus and the opening where the penis is hidden is relatively far, as there's still space for the testicles in between.
4. Female Characteristics
If the previous steps don't match male characteristics, proceed with identifying female features. Females have an anus and the opening of the urethra (vulva), with the vulva being closer to the anus than in males. The opening is a vertical slit, rather than the circular hole found in males.
Some describe the female's features as resembling an inverted exclamation mark “!” (the dot on top, the vertical line at the bottom), and they are closer together; whereas the male's features are like a colon “:” (two dots), which are further apart due to the presence of the testicles.
It's important to note that gender identification in newborn kittens can be quite difficult. Generally, it's not until the kittens are a few weeks old that their genderspecific features become more apparent.
