How Do I Tell If a Cat is a Girl or a Boy?

Bringing a new cat into your home is exciting, but it can also come with questions—like how to tell if your cat is male or female. This is especially common if you've adopted a kitten or rescued a stray. While it may seem tricky at first glance, determining your cat’s sex is relatively simple with the right guidance. Let’s break it down step by step.

🩺 Vet Recommendations

Identifying your cat's gender is important for proper care, including spaying or neutering, which helps prevent unwanted litters and can improve their overall health. Here’s how to determine if your feline friend is a boy or a girl.

📋 Care Tips

Before starting, keep in mind that checking your cat’s gender requires patience and gentleness. Cats, especially kittens, can be squirmy and may not like being handled in certain ways. Follow these tips to make the process easier:

• Wash your hands before and after handling your cat for hygiene.
• Choose a calm, quiet time when your cat is relaxed.
• Gently place your cat on a soft surface, like a blanket or your lap.
• If your cat resists, don’t force it—try again later or consult a veterinarian.

✅ Do’s and Don’ts

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when examining your cat:

• Do handle your cat with care to avoid causing stress or injury.
• Do have good lighting to clearly see the area you’re examining.
• Don’t squeeze or apply pressure to their genital area.
• Don’t attempt to check your cat’s gender if they seem distressed or aggressive.

💡 Expert Advice

Now that you’re prepared, here’s how to tell if your cat is male or female:

Lift your cat’s tail gently to examine the area under it. Look for these key differences:

• Male cats: You’ll notice two small round structures (testicles) below the anus, with a noticeable space between the anus and the penis. The penis opening appears as a small circular hole.
• Female cats: Female cats have a smaller distance between the anus and vulva, which is shaped like a vertical slit. There are no visible testicles.

In kittens, it can be harder to distinguish these features because they’re less developed. If you’re unsure, your veterinarian can help confirm your cat’s gender during a routine checkup.

FAQs

Q: Can I tell my kitten’s gender at birth?
A: It can be difficult to determine a kitten’s gender at birth since the genital area is not fully developed. Most vets recommend waiting until the kitten is a few weeks old for a clearer assessment.

Q: Is there a difference in behavior between male and female cats?
A: While individual personality varies, unneutered males are more likely to roam and mark territory, while unspayed females may display behaviors related to being in heat. Spaying or neutering can minimize these differences.

Book a $49 online vet consultation at https://www.dialavet.com for fast, expert advice.

References

• PetMD
• ASPCA
• VCA Animal Hospitals
• NRC – Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
• Dial A Vet – Blog Library