To tell if a cat is a boy (male) or a girl (female), the most reliable method is to examine the cat’s genital area by gently lifting the tail and observing the following:
- Distance between anus and genital opening : In males, the distance between the anus and the genital opening (penis) is noticeably greater than in females. In females, the anus and vulva are very close together, almost touching
- Shape of the genital opening :
- Males have a round genital opening resembling a small circle.
- Females have a vertical slit or teardrop-shaped opening, often described as resembling the letter "i" or an upside-down exclamation point
- Presence of testicles : In male kittens older than about 6-10 weeks, testicles may be visible or palpable between the anus and penis. In younger kittens, this area may have extra fur or tissue where testicles will develop
Additional clues:
- Coat color : Tricolor cats (calico or tortoiseshell) are almost always female due to genetics, while orange tabbies are more often male but can be female rarely
- Facial features : Adult males often have larger, broader heads with prominent jowls and larger whisker pads, while females tend to have softer, more delicate facial features. However, this is less reliable than genital examination
If unsure, a veterinarian can help confirm the sex of your cat. In summary, the key steps are:
- Gently lift the cat’s tail.
- Look at the distance and shape of the openings below the anus.
- Check for testicles in males if the cat is old enough.
- Use coat color and facial features as supplementary clues.
This method works best when the kitten is calm and over a few weeks old for clearer genital development
