This guide outlines how to tell cats gender using 5 simple methods that are safe and non-intrusive.
If you’ve ever wanted to know what sex your cat is and were completely lost, know that you’re definitely not alone. The differences between the male and female are not so pronounced, especially in puppies.
With this in mind, here are 5 ways for how to tell cats gender and find out if your cat is female or male, all in a very simple way and without hurting your pet.
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How to tell cats gender
How do you know if the cat is female or male? Even though it’s not simple, finding out the sex of your pet is not impossible, just follow some recommendations and everything will work out.
The main thing for how to tell a cats gender is to pay attention to body characteristics, in addition to trying to identify behavior patterns that are more common in males or females. To help with this identification process, see a list of 5 different ways you can find out your cat’s sex.
How to tell cats gender: space between genital organ and anus
That’s right, there is a difference in space in this area that characterizes your kitten’s sex. In females, this measurement is very small, not exceeding 1 cm. In males, the distance is usually a little greater, as the testicles will remain in this space when they develop.
If it’s difficult to check this length just by looking, try measuring it with a measuring tape. To do this, place your pet in a very stable and well-lit place to be able to measure correctly. On our blog, we have some tips on how to calm your cat to help you at this time.
How to tell cats gender by shape of the genitals
Another way to identify the difference between cats is by the shape of each one’s genitals. In females, the vagina has a vertical shape, like a groove, while in males it has a round point, where the penis is retained.
This is a very simple way to make the distinction, there is no need to pick up the cat and hold it to identify it, just using your eyes.
How to tell cats gender: testicular pouch
Checking whether or not the testicular sac exists is another way to discover the difference between our feline friends. It is located just below the male genital organ, between it and the anus, and can be identified by the presence of lighter hair in the region.
If it’s difficult to check just by looking, try feeling — being careful not to hurt your pet — to feel if there are testicles in the area.
How to tell cats gender by behavior
Generally, the male cat has an exploratory and independent instinct, always trying to defend his territory, which makes him a little more aggressive. Furthermore, if you don’t neuter your cat, he may come out frequently to pay attention to his sex life.
Females tend to be more docile and affectionate, however, they can also become aggressive when they are in heat or have just become mothers. Pay attention to these behavior patterns to be able to identify the sex of the pets, which may not be so simple, especially for beginner owners.
How to tell cats gender by differences in coats
Generally, animals with hair in 3 colors are female, this happens due to a genetic difference. “Girls” have two XX genes — which is linked to fur color — while “boys” have only 1 (XY).
So you won’t find a male cat with 3 colors, except in rare cases of genetic abnormalities. This makes identification easier, but it is not a definitive method, as there are females with 2 or just 1 coat color, resembling males.
How to tell gender of kitten
Kittens when are extremely similar, however, the similarities begin to disappear after a month and a half of life. At this stage, some very specific characteristics of each sex begin to appear , making it easier to distinguish each one. As adults, this check becomes much easier, even in the case of neutered animals.
How to tell cat gender by face
Determining a cat’s gender by its face alone can be quite challenging, especially when the cat is young. However, there are a few general characteristics that can sometimes give clues.
- Shape: Male cats, especially when they reach maturity, may have broader heads and thicker necks compared to females. This isn’t always a reliable indicator, but it can be a hint.
- Facial Markings: Some breeds and colors may have gender-linked facial markings, but these are not universal and can be quite subtle.
- Distance Between Eyes: In some cases, the distance between a cat’s eyes might be slightly wider in males compared to females.
- Size: Mature male cats tend to be larger and more muscular than females, which might be evident in their facial structure, but it’s not exclusive to the face.
Why is it important to neuter your cats?
Neutering the animal helps prevent various health problems and even some accidents. In the case of females, the uterus and ovaries are removed, preventing diseases such as breast and ovarian cancer. In males, the testicles are removed, helping to prevent prostate cancer.
Furthermore, by carrying out this process it is possible to alleviate some cat behavior patterns, such as reducing the habit of wandering the streets or being very territorial.
Now that you’ve discovered how to know if your cat is female, it will be much easier to take care of it properly, being able to train your cat according to common behavior for its sex. Access our content on the subject and see more information.
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