How can you tell if a cat is a boy or a girl? - briefly
To determine the gender of a cat, examine the physical characteristics of the genital area. Male cats typically have a small, rounded opening located further from the anus, while female cats have a vertical slit closer to the anus.
How can you tell if a cat is a boy or a girl? - in detail
Determining the sex of a cat can be straightforward once you know what to look for. The most reliable method is to examine the cat's physical characteristics, particularly the genital area. Here are the detailed steps and signs to observe:
Firstly, it is essential to ensure the cat is calm and comfortable during the examination. Place the cat on a stable, flat surface. Gently lift the cat's tail to expose the genital area. For male cats, there are several distinct features to identify:
- Testicles: Male cats typically have two testicles located in a scrotal sac near the anus. These may not be visible in very young kittens, as the testicles descend later in development.
- Penis: The penis in male cats is relatively small and located just anterior to the scrotum. It is usually not visible unless the cat is aroused or urinating.
- Distance between anus and genital opening: In males, the distance between the anus and the genital opening is generally greater compared to females. This space is often referred to as the "anal-genital distance."
For female cats, the genital area appears differently:
- Vagina: The vaginal opening in female cats is located just below the anus. It appears as a small vertical slit.
- Urethral opening: The urethral opening, through which urine is expelled, is located just anterior to the vaginal opening.
- Distance between anus and genital opening: In females, the distance between the anus and the genital opening is typically shorter than in males.
It is important to note that in very young kittens, the physical differences may not be as pronounced. In such cases, it might be necessary to wait until the kittens are a few weeks old for more accurate determination. Additionally, spayed or neutered cats will not have visible testicles or an enlarged scrotal sac, making the examination slightly more challenging but still possible by focusing on the other physical characteristics.
In summary, examining the genital area for specific features such as testicles, penis, vaginal opening, and the distance between the anus and genital opening provides a clear indication of whether a cat is male or female. This method is reliable and widely used by veterinarians and cat owners alike.