To tell the sex of a kitten, follow these key steps by gently lifting the kitten's tail to examine the genital area:

• Look at the distance between the anus and the genital opening:
  In male kittens, the distance between the anus and the genital opening (penis) is noticeably greater than in females. In females, the anus and the genital opening (vulva) are closer together, almost touching

• Observe the shape of the genital opening:
  • Male kittens have a round genital opening, often described as a small circular hole.
  • Female kittens have a genital opening shaped like a vertical slit or teardrop, resembling a line

• Check for testicles in males:
  Testicles may not be visible or palpable until the kitten is about 6 to 10 weeks old. Before then, you might notice excess fur or tissue between the anus and genital opening where testicles will develop

• Use coat color as an additional clue:
  Most calico (black, white, and orange) and tortoiseshell (black and orange) kittens are female. Orange tabbies are more likely to be male, though this is not an absolute rule

• General tip:
  It’s easier to accurately sex kittens older than 8 weeks because their sexual anatomy is more developed. For younger kittens, comparing multiple littermates can help identify differences

A simple way to remember is:

• Male = circle (genital opening) with a larger gap from the anus
• Female = line (genital opening) with the anus and genital opening close together

If uncertain, a veterinarian can confirm the sex of your kitten safely. In summary, sexing a kitten involves gently lifting the tail, checking the spacing and shape of the genital openings, and optionally considering coat color and age for better accuracy