How to tell if a kitten is male or female after they are born? - briefly
To determine the sex of a kitten after birth, examine the genital area. Male kittens typically have a small space between their anus and the base of their tail, while female kittens will have a small opening lower down and closer to the anus.
How to tell if a kitten is male or female after they are born? - in detail
To determine the sex of a newborn kitten, you need to examine its genital area. This can be done by following these steps:
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Pick up the Kitten: Gently pick up the kitten and place it on your lap or a flat surface. Ensure that the kitten is comfortable and calm before proceeding.
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Locate the Genital Area: For male kittens, you will need to locate the penis and testicles. For female kittens, you will be looking for the vulva. The genital area is located between the kitten's hind legs, near the anus.
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Examine Male Kittens: To determine if a kitten is male, look for the following:
- Penis: In male kittens, the penis is often visible as a small pink protuberance just below the anus. It may be retracted into the body, so you might need to gently lift the tail to see it clearly.
- Testicles: Male kittens also have two testicles located above the penis and the anus. These are usually easier to feel than to see, especially in newborns. Gently palpate the area with your fingers to locate them.
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Examine Female Kittens: To determine if a kitten is female, look for the following:
- Vulva: The vulva in female kittens appears as a vertical slit just below the anus. It may be slightly more difficult to see than the penis in male kittens, but it should be clearly visible with close inspection.
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Confirm Sex: If you can clearly see or feel the penis and testicles in a kitten, it is male. If you see the vulva slit and no testicles, then the kitten is female.
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Consult a Veterinarian if Uncertain: If you are unsure about the sex of your kitten after examining it, consult with a veterinarian. They have the expertise to make a definitive determination.
By carefully following these steps, you should be able to accurately determine whether your newborn kitten is male or female.