How to tell if a cat is neutered or female? - briefly
To determine if a cat is neutered or female, examine the area between its hind legs for any signs of surgery or the presence of a vulva. Neutered cats will have a small incision or scar, while females typically do not exhibit such marks unless they have undergone spaying.
How to tell if a cat is neutered or female? - in detail
To determine whether a cat is neutered or female, one should look for several distinct physical and behavioral indicators.
Physical Indicators:
- Presence of Testicles: Intact male cats have two testicles located in the scrotum, which is a pouch of skin underneath the anus. Neutered males will not have these visible.
- Scar: Neutered cats, both male and female, typically have a small scar on their abdomen where the incision was made during the surgery. This scar is usually located slightly below the belly button.
- Lack of Estrus Behavior: Female cats that are not spayed will exhibit estrus behavior, which includes vocalizing loudly, rolling around, and trying to escape to mate with male cats. Spayed females do not display these behaviors.
- Swollen Nipples: Intact female cats may have swollen or enlarged nipples during their heat cycle, while spayed females will not exhibit this change.
- Body Shape: Neutered male cats often have a slightly different body shape compared to intact males. They may appear less muscular and more rounded due to hormonal changes.
Behavioral Indicators:
- Spraying: Intact male cats tend to spray urine around the house to mark their territory, while neutered males typically do not engage in this behavior.
- Aggression: Unneutered male cats can be more aggressive towards other males and may fight over territory or mates. Neutering can significantly reduce this aggression.
- Roaming: Intact male cats are more likely to roam, especially during mating season, while neutered males are less inclined to wander off.
- Mating Calls: Unneutered male cats make distinctive mating calls, often referred to as "yowling," which can be loud and persistent. Neutered males do not produce these calls.
By observing these physical and behavioral characteristics, one can effectively determine whether a cat is neutered or female.