How to Identify the Sex of a Kitten

Male and female kittens look, sound and act the same.

If gender is a determining factor in your decision of whether to keep or find a new home for your kitten, then it is important to distinguish its sex. Gender identification in kittens is based upon their anatomy and can be difficult if you aren't familiar with the anatomical characteristics of male and female kittens. Once you know what to look for, determining the sex of your kitten will take little time.

Instructions

1. Turn the kitten so its backside is facing you. Gently hold the tail and raise it upward to expose the area underneath.

2. Identify the anus, which is near the base of the tail. Identify the urinary tract opening below the anus. Note the shape of the urinary tract opening. If the opening is round, the kitten is a male. If the opening is a vertical slit, then the kitten is a female.

3. Look at the space between the anus and the urinary tract opening. Compare to the areas of other kittens of approximately the same age. If the openings are close together then the kitten is a female. If the openings are farther apart, then the kitten is a male.

4. When a male cat is 4 to 6 weeks of age, its testicles can begin to be felt beneath the skin. Check for what feels like small peas near the urinary tract opening.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your kitten to a veterinarian to confirm the sex of your kitten if you are not sure.

References

• Washington State University: Determining Gender (Sex) of a Kitten
• PetPlace.com: How To Determine the Sex of Your Kitten